Maine regulators want to shut down several waterways to scallop fishing in the upcoming season as they continue attempts to rebuild the fishery.
The news comes as Maine’s Department of Marine Resources is warning fishermen that the coming season will likely include emergency closures depending on the amount of scallops harvested. The season runs from December to April.
State officials are considering a plan released this week that would shut down Eastern Casco Bay, Damariscotta River, Ocean Point and Lower Muscle Ridge. Another area, Muscle Ridge, would be open twice a week. Municipal mooring fields in Blue Hill Harbor, Western Blue Hill Bay, Bartlett’s Harbor, Seal Harbor, Northeast Harbor and Somes Sound Harbor would also be shut down for scallop dragger boats, officials said.
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