The Department of Marine Resources is announcing the annual lotteries for scallop drag and scallop dive (handfishing) licenses. Based on licenses retired in 2022, the Department is making available 8 drag licenses and 4 dive licenses for 2023.
The Department will begin accepting applications today, October 16, 2023, and the lotteries will remain open until Monday, November 6, 2023 at 4:30 pm.
An individual is eligible to enter either the scallop drag license lottery, or the scallop dive with tender license lottery, but not both, if they meet the following criteria:
- Is a Maine resident and 18 years of age or older at time of drawing.
- Held in any previous calendar year or currently holds any commercial license issued by the Department of Marine Resources (under 12 M.R.S Part 9), or has in the past or currently is crewing onboard an active commercial scallop vessel
- Has not been convicted or adjudicated of a marine resources offense that resulted in a license suspension within the last 7 years
- Does not currently possess a Scallop Diver or Scallop Drag license issued by Maine DMR
There is a $37 fee to enter each lottery. $35 of each entry is deposited in the Scallop Research Fund and $2 goes to InforME which designed and supports the online lottery entry system.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine their eligibility to participate in the scallop license lotteries. If an applicant is drawn, but determined to be ineligible, that drawing shall be void and the Department will draw another individual. The application fee submitted with an ineligible application is non-refundable.
Beginning today, October 16, 2023, online applications will be available at www.maine.gov/scalloplottery. Online payment must be made with a credit card.
Also, starting today, October 16, 2023, applicants may complete a paper application located in the entryway at the DMR offices in the Marquardt Building, 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta. However, please be advised that payment submitted with a paper application must be made by check or money order.
Finally, the Department cannot accept paper applications through the mail.
A Frequently Asked Questions document is available online as well.
If you have remaining questions, please call Maine DMR at 624-6550, Option 2 and we will try to assist you.