The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is administering a direct payment program to offset costs incurred by lobster harvesters in making gear modifications necessary to comply with the federal regulations aimed at providing additional protections to the North Atlantic Right Whale that became effective May 1, 2022.
Below are links to forms for state lobster harvester license holders and federal lobster harvester permit holders to complete in order to either appeal a decision of ineligibility by DMR or to opt out of a direct payment.
Letters have been sent by DMR to harvesters describing the three options below. Please select the link below that applies to you and complete the form by July 14, 2023.
FORM A. Activity Appeal Form (Use this form if you were NOT found to be eligible to receive a payment under this program because you did not meet the minimum level of activity, but you wish to appeal that finding by providing additional information that documents your activity and eligibility)
FORM B. Federal Permit Appeal Form (Use this form if according to Department records you did not hold a federal lobster permit and EEZ tags in 2022, but you wish to appeal that finding by providing additional information documenting your permit and tag history)
FORM C. Opt Out of Payment Form (Use this form if you are eligible to receive a payment but have decided that you do not want to accept it)
Please follow this link for Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.
If you have further questions, please contact Lobster.DMR@maine.gov