HALIBUT: 2023 Commercial Halibut License Now Available

Maine Department of Marine Resources sent this bulletin at 12/15/2022 11:16 AM EST

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Hello Halibut Harvesters,

The new Halibut Fishing License is now available for purchase. This license is required to commercially harvest halibut in Maine starting in 2023 and replaces the Halibut Endorsement on the Commercial Fishing License. Information on how to purchase the license online through LEEDS and a paper copy of the Halibut Fishing License can be found on DMR's website.

As a reminder, if you have historically purchased the Commercial Fishing License for the sole purpose of fishing for halibut, you do not need to purchase a Commercial Fishing License in 2023 and should instead purchase the Halibut Fishing License. The Commercial Fishing License is still required to commercially fish for any species not authorized under another license type; the remaining endorsements on the Commercial Fishing License are periwinkle, whelk, and crab taken by otter trawl.

Since this is a new license, if you are purchasing the license on LEEDS you must select “Apply” instead of “Renew”. In addition, if you are purchasing this license prior to December 31, please make sure that you select “next year” if you are intending to purchase a 2023 license.

If you have any questions regarding whether you are purchasing the correct license for your planned activities, please contact DMR’s Licensing Division (207-624-6550, option 2) PRIOR TO purchasing a license. As a reminder, once purchased, licenses are not refundable.

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Background Information:

Previously, halibut harvesters obtained an Atlantic Halibut Endorsement on a Commercial Fishing License to fish for and possess halibut in Maine. As a result of recent action at the State Legislature, a new Halibut Fishing License was established. As a result, for the 2023 fishing year, harvesters seeking to commercially fish for and possess halibut in Maine will need to obtain the new Halibut Fishing License. This Halibut Fishing License is open access, meaning there are no restrictions to obtain the license based on past participation or landings history. Halibut tags are still required and commercial fishermen must immediately tag Atlantic halibut or release them immediately.

For questions regarding halibut management, contact Megan Ware at megan.ware@maine.gov or 207.446.0932

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