Section 188-75-03 - Gillnet Gear RestrictionsA. The following gillnet gear restrictions shall apply:1.Sliver Area and Federal watersAll persons who fish gillnet gear in the Maine Sliver Area, shall comply with the following requirements for the ALWTRP:
(a) No floating line at the surface.(b) No wet storage of gear over 30 days.(c) Buoy lines must be marked with a green, 4-inch mark midway on the buoy line.(d) The license-holder's name, homeport, and license number must be clearly displayed on every gillnet marking buoy for Commercial Fishing, Commercial Pelagic and Anadromous and Menhaden license holders.(e) All buoys, floatation and/or weighted devices must be attached to the buoy line with a weak link having a maximum breaking strength no greater than 1,100 pounds (498.95 kg).(f) All gillnets, regardless of the number of net panels, must be anchored with the holding power of not less a 22-lb Danforth-style anchor at each end of the net string (must be burying anchor; no dead weights).(g) Each net panel must be configured with five or more weak links, depending on the panel length, with a breaking strength no greater than 1,100 pounds (498.95 kg). The weak link placement must meet on of two configurations:(1)Configuration 1For all variations in panel size:
One weak link must be placed in the center of each of the up and down lines at both ends of the net panel; and One weak link must be placed as close as possible to each end of the net panels on the floatline.
For net panels 50 fathoms or less in length: One weak link must be placed in the center of the floatline.
For net panels greater than 50 fathoms: One weak link must be placed at least every 25 fathoms alone the floatline.
(2)Configuration 2For all variations in panel size:
One weak link must be placed in the center of each of the up and down lines at both ends of the net panel; and
One weak link must be placed between floatline tie-loops between net panels; and
One weak link must be placed where the floating tie-loops attach to the bridle, buoy line, or groundline at each end of the net string.
For net panels 50 fathoms or less in length: One weak link must be placed in the center of the floatline.
For net panels greater than 50 fathoms: One weak link must be placed at least every 25 fathoms alone the floatline.
(3)Exceptions: Individual weak links are not required in locations where rope of appropriate breaking strength is used. Additionally, if no up and down line is present then weak links are not required at that location.13-188 C.M.R. ch. 75, § 03