DATE CORRECTION: NEFMC Public Hearings Scheduled for Scallop Amendment 21

PLEASE NOTE: The previous notice include an incorrect date for the public hearing webinar at the DMR Offices. The correct date, noted below, is September 2nd.

The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) has scheduled public hearings for Atlantic Scallop Amendment 21. This Amendment considers significant changes to the management of the Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) scallop resource, including the allocation of NGOM scallops between different permit categories, monitoring and research in the NGOM region, and potential effort controls such as a maximum dredge size or limiting the number of landings per week. The Amendment also considers increasing the trip limit for Limited Access General Category IFQ permit holders. A summary of the management options being considered in Amendment 21 can be found here.

 

Webinar public hearings have been scheduled for the following dates and times. To participate in the webinar public hearings, you must register at the weblinks provided below each of the public hearing dates. A NEFMC guide to participating in webinars can be found at this link.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Register: https://www.nefmc.org/calendar/aug-5-2020-public-hearing-webinar-scallop-amendment-21

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Register: https://www.nefmc.org/calendar/aug-12-2020-public-hearing-webinar-scallop-amendment-21

Thursday, August 27, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Register: https://www.nefmc.org/calendar/aug-27-2020-public-hearing-webinar-scallop-amendment-21

Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Register: https://www.nefmc.org/calendar/sep-2-2020-public-hearing-webinar-scallop-amendment-21

*ME DMR streaming the webinar public hearing in Augusta

 

For those who would like technical assistance in connecting to the webinar or do not have computer access and/or reliable internet, ME DMR will be providing a space for fishermen to participate in the September 2^nd public hearings webinar. ME DMR staff will have the webinar public hearing streaming at our Augusta office complex (32 Blossom Lane) in the Deering Building, Room 101 (building is to the left of the DMR office); you just have to show up to comment. Given Covid, the following safety procedures will be in place:

• Fishermen wishing to attend DMR’s streaming of the September 2^nd public hearing in Augusta must RSVP to Megan Ware by emailing her at megan.ware@maine.gov or calling her at 207.446.0932.
• In-person participation in Augusta will be capped to ensure proper social distancing. This is why we are requesting individuals RSVP.
• Individuals will be required to wear a mask while inside the building.

 

As a reminder, there are several ways to provide comment on Amendment 21.

• You can participate at home in any of the four webinar public hearings hosted by the NEFMC.
• You can come to the Deering Building Room 101 in Augusta on September 2^nd where DMR staff will have the webinar public hearing streaming. You must RSVP if you plan to attend.
• You can submit written public comment to the contact information below. Written public comments will be accepted until September 4.
  • Email: comments@nefmc.org, “Scallop Amendment 21” in subject line.
  • Mail or fax:

Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director

New England Fishery Management Council,

50 Water Street, Mill 2,

Newburyport, MA 01950

Fax: (978) 465–3116

 

For questions, please contact Megan Ware at megan.ware@maine.gov or 207.446.0932