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Striped Bass Stakeholders,?

The Maine Department of Marine Resources has published two Notices of Proposed Rulemaking for striped bass. Both of these proposed rulemakings seek to incorporate existing measures that were adopted via emergency rulemaking. This includes the 31-inch maximum size limit, which was implemented via emergency rulemaking on May 18, and expansion of an existing area on the Saco River closed to fishing, which was implemented via emergency rulemaking on June 10.

*The public comment deadline is* *July? 24, 2023.?*Comments can be submitted by:


* Sending an email to: [email protected]
* Mailing a written letter to: Deirdre Gilbert, 21 State House Station, Augusta Maine 04333-0021
* Faxing your letter to 207-624-6024
* Attending the public hearing in person or remotely to offer oral testimony

*A* *public hearing* *will be held on July 12, 2023, 4:00 p.m.,?*at the?DMR Offices, Room 118 Marquardt Building (32 Blossom Lane, Augusta ME), with an option to participate remotely via Microsoft Teams. For information on how to join the hearing, please visit?DMR?s homepage [ [link removed] ]?where instructions will be posted under meetings and events.

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_*CHAPTER 42: CHANGES IN STRIPED BASS SLOT LIMIT*_

*Brief Summary:* On May 18, 2023, DMR adopted an emergency rule to come into compliance with the Atlantic Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). DMR is proposing to adopt the emergency rule as part of its regular rules. Consistent with the existing emergency rule, this proposal would implement a 31-inch maximum size limit in the striped bass recreational fishery. As a result, it would be unlawful to take or possess striped bass unless they are between 28-inches and 31-inches, inclusive. This proposed action would ensure continued compliance with the ASMFC fishery management plan.?


* A copy of the Chapter 42 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be found HERE [ [link removed] ].

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_*CHAPTER 55: FISHING IN THE SACO RIVER*_

*Brief Summary:* On June 10, 2023, DMR adopted an emergency rule to expand an existing area on the
Saco River closed to fishing. DMR is proposing to adopt this same rule as regular rule-making. Consistent with?the emergency rule, this proposal would modify Maine?s Gear Restriction Regulation, Chapter 55.99 to close?the waters of the Saco River upstream of the Route 9/Main Street bridge between Factory Island, Saco and?Mechanics Park, Biddeford, to the head of tide. This is necessary to prevent high levels of catch and release?mortality observed this season and which negatively impacts the striped bass resource.


* A copy of the Chapter 55 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be found HERE [ [link removed] ].

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For questions on striped bass fishery management, please contact Megan Ware at 207.446.0932 or [email protected]?

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