February 13, 2013 – On Monday, February 11, four new elver licenses for 2013 were awarded by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. This year, more than five thousand Mainers applied for the license with only four available slots. “Last year the elver fishery proved to be one of Maine’s most lucrative and the Department is pleased to provide an opportunity for Mainers to benefit from this valuable resource,” said Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher.
The licenses, selected through a lottery administered by Maine State Lottery officials, were awarded to Mark Wakem from Poland, Alyssa Orestis from Searsport, Meredith Perry from Spruce Head, and Garrett Lemoine from Swan’s Island. “We chose the Maine State Lottery to conduct these drawings to ensure that all winners were chosen with a time tested method that ensures fairness for all participants,” said Commissioner Keliher. The new licenses are issued to replace those individuals who did not renew theirs in 2012.
In addition, four existing dip net license holders were awarded the opportunity through a lottery to change their gear to fyke net which, while it increases potential income for the individuals, does not increase overall effort in the fishery. They are Ryan Miller from Surry, Garrett Coffin from Nobleboro, Jason Brewer from Walpole, and Timothy Brewer from Nobleboro.
The last time an elver lottery was held by the Department was 2006.
The amount of elvers landed in Maine waters in 2012 has not been finalized yet, but last year the total value of the fishery was estimated at $40 million, second only in value to the lobster industry. During the height of the 2012 season, elvers were valued at approximately $2,600 per pound.
This year’s elver season begins at noon on March 22 and goes until noon on May 31.