ME LD489

Commercial halibut fishing license holders may temporarily use a vessel other than the one named on their license if their licensed vessel becomes inoperable due to accident or mechanical failure

License holders must document the vessel breakdown and submit a written request to the commissioner for authorization to use an alternate vessel

Temporary authorization is limited to 2 weeks, with one possible 2-week extension allowed per license holder during the commercial halibut fishing season

License holders cannot receive this exception in 2 consecutive years, and may be required to keep halibut catch separate from other licenses using the same vessel to prevent exceeding harvest limits

Enacted as emergency legislation effective May 9, 2025, to take effect before the May 18, 2025 start of the commercial halibut fishing season