ELLSWORTH — The Department of Marine Resources is in the midst of an effort to rebuild Maine’s scallop stocks. An integral part of the rebuilding strategy has been the use of closed areas.

After three years, these closures will end this summer and DMR is proposing a new rotational management plan to create a more predictable and profitable fishery. The proposal includes phased-in rolling area closures established with input from the scallop industry, a mid-plan assessment and evaluation of the closures’ effectiveness and the flexible use of emergency closures.

Last month, DMR held a series of regional meetings to gather fishermen’s input and feedback on the rotational management proposal. Following those meetings, the Scallop Advisory Council considered the proposal and the industry’s comments, then voted unanimously to recommend that the DMR move forward with development of the plan.

The next step will be to hold a series of eight smaller, local meetings around the state to gather fishermen’s input into the development of the rotational management plan. The results from these meetings will be reviewed by the Scallop Advisory Council at its next meeting, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, at Ellsworth City Hall. The DMR is urging fishermen to attend the local meetings to ensure that they have a voice in the future management of the scallop resource.

Eastern Maine meetings include: Milbridge Town Hall, Monday, May 21, 10 a.m.; Ellsworth City Hall, Thursday, May 31, 5 p.m.; Jonesport High School, Tuesday, June 5, 4 p.m; and Penobscot East Resource Center, Stonington, Monday, June 11, 6 p.m.

For more maritime news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.