Lobster Advisory Council, Zone Council Chairs/Vice-Chairs – Alternative Gear Marking Framework Meeting

On Tuesday, August 19 from 5-7pm, DMR will be hosting a webinar for the LAC and Zone Council Chairs/Vice-Chairs to learn more about an Alternative Gear Marking Framework. The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, in conjunction with the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO), are developing the framework to consider allowing alternative surface marking provisions for fixed gear fisheries.  While this action is being developed at the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the decisions made are expected to impact the lobster fishery. This is not an action by DMR or the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Final action is currently scheduled for late-September at the New England Fishery Management Council and early October at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

What is the purpose of the webinar?
To-date, there has been limited outreach to the lobster fishery on this Framework. As a result, DMR is hosting this webinar to provide you as leaders of the Maine lobster fishery an opportunity to learn about and comment on the management action. On the webinar, NOAA staff will present an overview of the Alternative Gear Marking Framework and the draft alternatives. Industry members can ask questions and provide feedback on which alternatives they prefer, or do not prefer. DMR staff will take notes on the comments provided and send a written overview of these comments to the Councils prior to final action. We also hope you will spread the word to your respective harbors after you learn about the Framework document so others are aware. A link to connect to the webinar is below. You do not need to register ahead of time.

Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 213 236 823 858 4
Passcode: 4v3mi6NU

Dial in by phone
+1 207-209-4724,,171410471# United States, Portland
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 171 410 471#

What is the Alternative Gear Marking Framework proposing?
The framework considers establishing alternative gear marking provisions to allow for the use of fixed gear without a persistent buoy line. While this action takes a step towards allowing ropeless fishing, it would not immediately permit the use of ropeless gear. On-demand gear systems would still need to be approved for use and Maine would need to go through its own rulemaking. The Framework proposes different spatial ranges in which alternative gear marking could be used, including just allowing it in TRT restricted areas when they are closed or allowing alternative gear marking everywhere. Status quo is also an alternative, meaning a Special License and/or federal EFP would be needed to use something other than a traditional surface marking.  

Where can I learn more?
A copy of the draft Alternative Gearing Marking Framework can be found HERE.
More information on the time and development of the Framework can be found HERE.

For questions or more information on the Framework action, please reach out to Megan Ware at megan.ware@maine.gov or 207.446.0932.