In the News

ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Board Initiates Addendum to Reduce Fishing Mortality

Alexandria, VA- The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board has initiated development of Draft Addendum III with the goals of reducing striped bass fishing mortality (F) up to 40% and further protecting spawning stock when it is concentrated and vulnerable. The addendum was initiated in order to allow managers to promptly respond to the results of the stock assessment update in the fall if necessary. Provisions of the addendum, if passed, could be implemented prior to the start of the 2012 fishing year.







Accessing Maine's Coast

Lost Access is a problem up and down Maine's coast.

According to Maine law, Private landowners can and often do hold private property rights to the low water mark. These private property rights are subject to a public easment for fishing, fowling, and navigation up to the mean high tide line.

Maine law does not guarantee access to the intertidal zone, so it's still neccessary to find an access point that will allow you to get below the high water mark, but as long as you're below the high water mark Maine law guarantees the right to engage in "fishing, fowling, and navigation" there.

Additionally, Maine law stipulates that a landowner is not liable for any harm that comes to you while engaging in "Recreational or harvesting activities" on his or her property. (Maine Title 14, Part 1, Chapter 7, 159-A)



For more information on accessing Maine's intertidal areas, visit some of the following links:


Accessing the Maine Coast - One stop shopping for all the info you need about coastal access law
Public Shoreline Access in Maine (pdf)
Beach Law 101 Slideshow
Public Shoreline Access and the Moody Beach Case