13-188 C.M.R. ch. 52 – Atlantic Mackerel

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES

CHAPTER 52: ATLANTIC MACKEREL

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TITLE INDEX

52.01 Definitions

52.02 Atlantic Mackerel Limits

Chapter 52-Atlantic Mackerel Regulations

52.01 Definitions

“Atlantic mackerel” means the genus and species Scomber scombrus
"Recreational fishing" means fishing that is not intended to, nor does it result in the barter, trade, or sale of fish.

52.02 Atlantic Mackerel Limits

Except as provided in 52.02 (1)(A)(1) it shall be unlawful for an individual engaged in recreational fishing to fish for, take, or possess more than 25 Atlantic mackerel per person per calendar day.
Atlantic mackerel harvested by charter, party, or recreational fishing vessels with more than one person aboard may be pooled in one or more containers. Compliance with the possession limit will be determined by dividing the number of fish on board by the number of persons aboard. If there is a violation of the possession limit on board a vessel carrying more than one person, the owner or operator shall be responsible for the violation
Atlantic mackerel may be communally stored in dockside bait pens.
Mackerel purchased from a lawful dealer with proof of receipt do not count towards the 25 fish mackerel possession limit.
Chunked, frozen mackerel do not count towards the 25 fish mackerel possession limit.

The limit to fish for, take, or possess no more than 25 Atlantic mackerel shall not apply to persons who hold a commercial pelagic and anadromous fishing license (12 M.R.S §6502-A).
1. The possession limit shall not apply to persons who hold a commercial harvesting license under 12 M.R.S. Chapter 619 (Lobster and Crab Fishing Licenses), Chapter 621 (Finfish Licenses), or Chapter 625 (Wholesale and Retail Licenses).

CHAPTER 52

ATLANTIC MACKEREL REGULATIONS

INDEX

EFFECTIVE DATE:

November 1, 2022

AMENDED:

June 30, 2026 – 52.02 (1)(A) and 52.02 (1)(A)(1) – filing 2026-139