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Attention Striped Bass Anglers
The final rulemaking for Chapter 42 Striped Bass has published. Attached is a copy of the notice of rulemaking adoption for Chapter 42, which incorporates a modification to allow for-hire operations to fillet striped bass dockside.
Background on the Saco and Presumpscot Rivers Proposed Regulations Which Were Not Adopted
Atlantic striped bass are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). In 2024, the ASMFC Striped Bass Board considered taking action in 2025 to further protect the striped bass stock to meet the stock rebuilding timeline of 2029. To inform Maine's position at ASMFC, the DMR held two striped bass stakeholder meetings in 2024. These meetings were well attended and the DMR heard that Maine stakeholders wanted to remain a leader in environmental conservation and were concerned about dead discards in the Saco and Presumpscot rivers.
The ASMFC Striped Bass Board ultimately voted to not take action in 2025, instead directing the plan development team to draft an Addendum to consider management options for 2026. However, the DMR decided to propose rulemaking to address concerns heard during stakeholder meetings. The proposed rulemaking would have extended Kennebec River rules to the Saco and Presumpscot rivers, including a no harvest season with gear limitations and no bait in May and June. The public had the opportunity to comment on the proposed rule by email, mail, and at two public hearings.
The public comment received on the proposed rulemaking was split, which was very different from the public input during the stakeholder meetings in 2024. Due to the divided public comment and this being a discretionary action, the DMR decided to not move forward with the Saco and Presumpscot river regulations. The only part of the rulemaking moved forward for DMR Advisory Council review was the exemption for for-hire operations to fillet striped bass dockside for clients. The DMR will continue conversations with Maine stakeholders as we work towards rebuilding the striped bass stock.
Striped Bass Regulations
Chapter 42 Striped Bass For-Hire Filleting Dockside
CONCISE SUMMARY:
This rule provides an exemption for for-hire operators and crew to fillet legal striped bass dockside provided specific criteria are met.
EFFECTIVE DATE: April 22, 2025
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