AUGUSTA, MAINE – A bill sponsored by Rep. Sean Flaherty, D-Scarborough, to enable fishing families to keep a lobster or crab license within their family was referenced yesterday to the Legislature’s Committee on Marine Resources by the Maine House of Representatives.

The bill, “An Act To Protect Fishing Families by Authorizing Certain Transfers of Lobster and Crab Fishing Licenses,” would authorize the transfer of a commercial lobster and crab fishing license to that person’s child, grandchild or spouse under certain circumstances. The relative receiving the license must have completed an apprentice program with the Department of Marine Resources for entry into the lobster fishery.

“This bill enables Mainers to keep their family businesses in their family, regardless of the age of the child” said Flaherty.  “In Zone G this year, 18 people left the business, but because of state regulations, that wasn’t enough to award a single new license.  I want to support our lobstering tradition and give sons and daughters a chance for a license, even if they want that opportunity at age 25, 35, or 45.”

The legislation adds a provision to limit a recipient of a license by transfer to 300 traps in the initial year and an increase of 100 traps each subsequent year, up to the trap limit.  This provision is similar to the process for other first time license holders.  A “sunset” provision for future review of the process is also included in Flaherty’s bill.

“While some may argue that this change could open a door for potential sale of a license, this is not the intention,” Flaherty said.  “In order to curb abuse, we included a provision in the bill that would provide for a review in three years.  If the law is working, great; if not, then the Department of Marine Resources and the Legislature can choose to end the practice.”

Flaherty has secured eight cosponsors for the bill, including three other Scarborough legislators: Rep. Peggy Pendleton; Sen. Larry Bliss and Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett.

All members of the public are welcome to submit testimony on LD 585 during the public hearing in the Committee on Marine Resources on Wed., March 4 at 10:00 a.m.

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