DMR to close scallop zones
Several coastal areas will be closed to scallop harvesting for several weeks as an emergency measure to address a steep drop in Maine's scallop stocks.
The state Department of Marine Resources ordered the closures to take effect during the second half of the winter season, which runs from Feb. 25 to the end of March, the Bangor Daily News reported. Areas that will be closed include all of Cobscook Bay, most of state waters off York County, and some coastal waters off Addison, Jonesport and Beals. Parts of Blue Hill, Casco, Frenchman and Penobscot bays also will be closed.
The DMR announced the closure plan last month as a way to shore up scallop stocks, and initially planned to close the entire state to scallop harvesting before opting for the regional closures. Many scallop fishermen have voiced concern over the plan's effect on their livelihoods, and some have questioned whether the closures are necessary, the paper reported.
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