DMR's Policy on Changing Over Trap Tags

Attention lobstermen: 2017 lobster trap tags are valid from January 1 through May 31, 2018. Fishermen can attach 2018 trap tags before June 1 but must have a 2017 tag attached to the trap as well. There has been some concern among fishermen about setting new gear without the current year tags before June 1. This situation is no different than setting new gear in October: a lobsterman would have to remove a valid tag from the gear he is replacing and hog ring it into the new trap.

There will be circumstances in which a lobsterman will be allowed to fish next year’s tags without current year tags. These situations include but are not limited to: Fishermen that are building up. Example: fisherman eligible for 300 in 2017 becomes eligible for 400 on January 1, 2017. He can have 100 traps with only his 2018 trap tags. Student license holder transitioning from student license to lobster class 1, 2 or 3. This group would be student license holders who have completed the apprenticeship program and become 17 years old between January 1 and May 31.Student license holders because of age/tag restrictions who fall into a higher trap limit category during the period between January 1 and May 31 The exceptions listed above and other times fishermen are using non-valid tags will require the fisherman to fill out an affidavit stating that all of his or her previously issued tags are null and void. Go to Z:\Patrol\FORMS and MPO Information Folder\Trap Tag Forms & Permission to Set Forms\NEW-Affidavit for tags to be used outside of trap tag yearc.doc to get a copy of the affidavit. The affidavit must be witnessed by an MPO or office personnel and then sent to Licensing. No replacement tags will be issued for non-current year tags unless the above affidavit is in effect.