13- 188 C.M.R. ch. 12, § 06

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 188-12-06 - Seed Mussel Conservation Areas

A. To conserve and provide for effective management of unique mussel areas, seed mussel conservation areas will be designated by the Department of Marine Resources. These areas will be selected based upon several considerations, to include either singly or in combination but not limited to: geographic extent, density, population size distribution, extent subject to winter mortality, and condition.

B.Areas Defined. It shall be unlawful to take mussels (Mytilus edulis) by any method or manner from designated seed mussel conservation area(s) without a permit issued by the commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources. Descriptions of designated areas are as follows:

Jordan River, Trenton/Lamoine Description

Except by permit defined above, it shall be unlawful to harvest in any manner or possess mussels taken from the shores, flats, and waters of Jordan River in the towns of Trenton and Lamoine, Hancock County, inside and upstream of a line drawn from the mouth of Crippens Brook, on the western shore, due east to the eastern shore of Jordan River.

West Bay, Gouldsboro Description

Except by permit defined above, it shall be unlawful to harvest in any manner or possess mussels taken from the shores, flats, and waters of West Bay and Grand Marsh Bay in the town of Gouldsboro, Hancock County, northwesterly of a line drawn from the northernmost tip of Marsh Point, northeasterly to the southernmost tip of Jetteau Point.

Narraguagus Bay, Milbridge/Harrington Description

Except by permit defined above, it shall be unlawful to harvest in any manner or possess mussels taken from the shores, flats, and waters of that area of Narraguagus Bay, in the towns of Milbridge and Harrington, Washington County, northerly of a line running from the southwesternmost tip of Foster Island, northwesterly to Clam Ledge, and continuing to a point of land on the easternmost tip of Fickett Point, on the east side of Sinclair Cove, so-called; and southerly of a line running from the northernmost tip of Foster Island, northwestely to the southwesternmost tip of Pinkham Island, continuing northwesterly to the easternmost point of Strout Point.

Harrington River, Milbridge/Harrington Description

Except by permit defined above, it shall be unlawful to harvest in any manner or possess mussels taken from the shores, flats, and waters of that area of Harrington River and Flat Bay, in the towns of Harrington and Milbridge, Washington County, lying southwesterly of a line running from the north-westernmost point of land bordering West Carrying Place Cove, northwesterly to the northernmost island of the Five Islands, and continuing westerly to the northernmost point of land bordering Five Islands Cove; and northeasterly of a line running from the southernmost point of land bordering West Carrying Place Cove, northwesterly to Chamberly Island, continuing northwest to the northernmost tip of Blasket Point, thence northeast to the southwesternmost tip Pineo Point.

C. The Department may issue on a first-come-first-serve basis a no-cost permit to licensed mussel fishermen which shall authorize the permit holder to fish in designated seed mussel conservation areas, consistent with provisions of statute and regulation.

13- 188 C.M.R. ch. 12, § 06