Redfin pickerel get clear protections from angling in Maine
Redfin Pickerel, Courtesy Joseph Tomelleri
After two articles by NFC Executive Director Bob Mallard, one stating the problem and one offering solutions, several blog posts, and an in-person meeting between Maine NFC and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine’s state-level Endangered redfin pickerel will get specific protections from angling.
“Maine Statute (Title 12, §12808) currently prohibits the ‘take’ of any state listed endangered or threatened species. There are two inland species of fish in Maine that are state listed endangered (Redfin Pickerel), or state listed threatened (Swamp Darter). Although angling is not a significant threat to Maine’s populations and statute already prohibits take, the current Maine Fishing Laws (specifically the General Laws page) lacks the clarity that fishing is not permitted for these two species. This proposal would clarify that angling and/or harvest of Redfin Pickerel and Swamp Darter is not permitted.”
Maine General Law Fishing Rules - Before:
Sea-run Atlantic Salmon: Federally Endangered Species – No Fishing Permitted for this Species.
Maine General Law Fishing Rules - After:
Sea-run Atlantic Salmon, Redfin Pickerel, Swamp Darter: Endangered or Threatened Species —No Fishing Permitted.
