Answers to Questions Received Regarding Scallop Drag Apprentice Program

Below, please find answers to questions we have received regarding the recently announced scallop drag apprentice program:

1. Why did the Scallop Drag License lottery change?

The potential for an apprenticeship program to be required for entry into Maine's scallop fishery has been discussed since 2019, when a bill was passed that authorized DMR to adopt such rules. The license lottery as initially developed in 2018 continued in the meantime, while the Scallop Advisory Council (SAC) considered the benefits of an apprenticeship program, the challenges of implementing an apprenticeship program fairly (given how the fishery differs along the coast) as well as the resources required to implement such a program.

Interest and urgency in implementing an apprenticeship program grew with several tragic fatalities in the scallop fishery. The Department, the SAC, and the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources all felt that ensuring some level of instruction and experience in the safe operation of a drag was a good investment in future license holders and a way to possibly reduce risk in the fishery. This re-energized interest from the SAC, who began working toward a recommendation that would combine the existing lottery with an apprenticeship requirement. They made their recommendation to the Department at their meeting in April 2026, and the Department then entered into the rule making process. The 2026 lottery is the first to incorporate the apprenticeship requirement.

2. If someone asks me to be their sponsor for the scallop drag apprenticeship, what do I need to do?

First, it is important to note that each scallop drag license holder may only sponsor one apprentice in each lottery. You must identify that person before they are selected in the lottery. If that individual gets selected through the lottery, you will be required to purchase a sponsor endorsement for your scallop drag license at a cost of $250. During the training period, you will be required to attend a day long workshop with your apprentice and complete a minimum of 15 scallop fishing days with your apprentice.

3. Why are drag license holders limited to sponsoring only one lottery applicant per season?

In previous lottery years, the number of entries for the scallop drag lottery has exceeded 1000 applicants. Roughly a third of the licenses awarded since 2018 have never been used. The SAC wanted to design a system that would increase the likelihood that someone who was already participating in the fishery would be selected. By limiting the number of apprentices a license holder could sponsor to 1, and by requiring the apprentice to fish with the sponsor, it is anticipated that the number of entries will be limited to no more than the number of active license holders in the fishery and that individuals selected will go on to use the awarded license. This was the recommendation of the SAC.

4. What can I do if my sponsor changes their mind after I have entered the lottery and provided their name on my application?

Contact DMR's Licensing Division at [email protected] and specify that you would like to change the sponsor you identified. Please specify both your original sponsor, and who would like to change your sponsor to. These requests must be received in writing, and during the period of time when the lottery is open.

5. If I don't have a sponsor and do not enter the lottery, will I lose my extra chances that have built up over time?

Yes. The current regulation provides additional chances for every consecutive year someone enters the lottery. However, if you cannot identify a sponsor and want to continue to enter regardless, you can enter the lottery without providing a valid sponsor name. If you are selected you will be determined ineligible, but you will retain your consecutive entries (and therefore additional chances) for future years.

6. What will happen next?

DMR is keeping track of all questions and concerns that have been raised regarding the changes to the lottery and the apprenticeship program. These will be discussed with the SAC and if necessary, the regulation could be modified for future lotteries.