Scallop License Lotteries Eligibility Rules
Eligibility for the Scallop License Lotteries
An individual is eligible to enter either the scallop dragging license lottery or the scallop handfishing or handfishing with tender license lottery, but not both, if they meet the following criteria:
- Is a Maine resident and 18 years of age or older; and
- Held in any previous calendar year or currently holds any commercial license issued by the Department of Marine Resources (under 12 M.R.S Part 9), or has in the past or currently is crewing onboard an active commercial scallop vessel;* and
- Has not been convicted or adjudicated of a marine resources offense that resulted in a license suspension within the last 7 years; and
- Does not currently possess a Scallop Dive or Scallop Drag license issued by Maine DMR.
*If you intend to use a license that you held from 1995-2022 to meet this requirement, the Department will use its licensing database to confirm that you held the license. If you intend to use a license that you held prior to 1995 to meet this eligibility criteria, you will need to produce a copy of the license for the Department's review. If you intend to use experience as crew as evidence of meeting this requirement, you will need to provide documentation of the year(s), vessel(s), and captain(s). DMR will review the information provided to determine if you meet this requirement.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine their eligibility to participate in the scallop license lottery. If an applicant for either lottery is drawn, but determined to be ineligible, that drawing shall be void and the Department will draw another individual. The application fee submitted with the ineligible application is non-refundable.
Questions about this Service? Contact agency at: (207) 624-6550 Option 2
