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Lobster License Changes Up For Debate in Maine Statehouse

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine lobstermen are set to debate the possibility of potentially controversial changes to the state’s lobster licensing laws.

The proposal will go before the Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee on Wednesday for a hearing. The changes are designed to streamline the process of obtaining a license, which often takes years.

Deer Isle Democrat Rep. Walter Kumiega has proposed the changes, which include the creation of a new class of license that would be limited to 300 traps instead of the usual 800.

There are nearly 300 people on the waiting list and some of them have been on it for more than a decade.

Some veteran lobstermen say they fear the possibility of overfishing for lobsters if the system is changed. State officials say precautions will be taken to avoid that.