Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6722, as amended by PL 1983, c. 685, is further amended to read:

§6722. Closed areas

Unless modified by regulation adopted under section 6171-A, it is unlawful to fish for or take scallops in the coastal waters from April 16th to October 31st November 30th, both days inclusive.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §6726, sub-§1, ¶¶B and C, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 281, §1, are amended to read:

B. From November 1, 1999 December 1, 1999 to April 15, 2001, 3 1/4 inches in diameter; and

C. On November 1, 2001 December 1, 2001 and thereafter, 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §6727, sub-§§1 and 2, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 281, §1, are amended to read:

1. Opening month of season. It is unlawful from November 1st to November 30th December 1st to December 31st for a person to possess on any vessel fishing for scallops in the coastal waters, or to utilize when fishing for or taking scallops in the coastal waters, a drag or any combination of drags that measures in excess of 5 feet, 6 inches across from one extreme outside edge of the mouth of the drag or combination of drags to the opposite extreme outside edge.

2. Remainder of season. It is unlawful from December 1st January 1st to April 15th for a person to possess on any vessel fishing for scallops in the coastal waters, or to utilize when fishing for or taking scallops in the coastal waters, a drag or any combination of drags that measures in excess of 10 feet, 6 inches across from one extreme outside edge of the mouth of the drag or combination of drags to the opposite extreme outside edge.

SUMMARY

This bill changes the scallop season to December 1st to April 15th from the current season of November 1st to April 15th and requires a minimum 3 1/4-inch ring diameter for scallop drags from December 1, 1999 to April 15, 2001 and a 3 1/2-inch ring diameter after December 1, 2001. The bill limits scallop drag width to 5 feet, 6 inches from December 1st to December 31st and 10 feet, 6 inches from January 1st to April 15th.