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ME LD553

Bill

Status

Failed

6/3/2025

Primary Sponsor

Joseph Martin

Click for details

Origin

Senate

132nd Legislature

AI Summary

  • Maine would assert state ownership and jurisdiction over all ocean waters extending 12 nautical miles from the coastline, claiming control over marine resource harvesting in this zone through Department of Marine Resources licenses and permits

  • Reduces the state's claimed harvesting jurisdiction from 200 miles (or the Continental Shelf edge) to 12 nautical miles, while removing references to jurisdiction over high seas and submerged lands

  • Attorney General must take all necessary actions to assert state sovereignty, including negotiations with the U.S. Department of Commerce and filing litigation if needed

  • Progress report on sovereignty assertion efforts due to the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources by May 1, 2025

  • Emergency legislation prompted by federal decisions expected to severely restrict Gulf of Maine herring catch limits, threatening bait supply for Maine's commercial lobster industry

Legislative Description

An Act to Assert State Sovereignty over Ocean Waters and Marine Resources up to 12 Nautical Miles off the State's Coast

Marine Resources

Last Action

Placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)

6/3/2025

Committee Referrals

Marine Resources2/11/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available