Mar. 06, 2008

The only part of the plan that goes into effect in October is the sinking line provision.

The new rules create three categories of lobstermen in Maine:
1. state waters lobstermen INSIDE the exemption line
2. state waters lobstermen OUTSIDE the exemption line
3. federal waters lobstermen

www.MaineLobstermen.org outlines all of the requirements, but here are the highlight CHANGES which only affect state waters lobstermen fishing
OUTSIDE the exemption line:

*buoy lines must be marked with a 4" long red color midway on the buoy line in the water column and all surface buoys must be marked as defined by Maine law (effective April 2008)

*All buoys, flotation and/or weighted devices must be attached with a weak link with a breaking strength of 600lbs or less (effective April 2008)

*Groundlines must be comprised of sinking and/or neutrally buoyant rope (specific gravity of 1.03 or heavier). The attachment of buoys, toggles or other flotation devices is prohibited (effective October 2008)

Please contact the MLA office if you have any questions 967-4555.

Visit the NMFS webpage for guidelines on how to comply:

Information on Final Rule
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/hotnews/whalesfr/

NMFS guidelines for Weak Links and Gear Marking
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/hotnews/whalesfr/Gear%20Modification%20Techniques%20for%20Complying%20with%20the%20ALWTRP_vs8.pdf

NMFS supplemental guide for weak links
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/hotnews/whalesfr/Supplement%20WK%20link%20and%20marking%20BL_october%202007_vs3.pdf