Tag Archives: elver eel

Elver eel price dips from 2012 high but poaching persists

BDNELLSWORTH, Maine — Maine’s 2013 elver fishing season is not playing out as a repeat of 2012. For one, the penalties now are higher, thanks to a new law that went into effect on Tuesday. Anyone who fishes or possesses the young American eels without a license now can be taken to jail for a first offense. Plenty of issues. continued

N.H. man caught with 41 pounds of elvers eels!

NEWPORT — The Maine Marine Patrol on April 3 issued a summons to Phillip Parker, 41 of Candia, N.H., in the largest case of illegal possession of elvers in the history of the fishery, according to a maine Marine Patrol news release. Marine Patrol Sgt. Rene Cloutier along with Officer John Luellen apprehended Parker in Newport after an investigation revealed that the New Hampshire man intended to sell 41 pounds of elvers, potentially worth more than $80,000, without a Maine elver-harvesting license. continued

Passamaquoddys issue far more elver licenses than allowed by law

ELLSWORTH, Maine — A year after catching state officials off guard by issuing 236 elver fishing licenses in the middle of elver season, the Passamaquoddy Tribe has issued more than twice that amount for 2013. continue reading

Officials: Elver eel season stunted by low temperatures, prices – Fishery in the government crosshairs!

ELLSWORTH, Maine — The 2013 elver fishing season in Maine has begun with cooler temperatures and cooler prices, according to a state official. “They’re a little bit on the spotty side,” Separate from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission process, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is considering listing American eels under the federal Endangered Species Act, which could result in a ban on all American eel fishing. continue reading

New elver licensee Awesus Mitchell goes for the gold as season opens – video

NOBLEBORO, Maine – Awesus Mitchell stood at the Nobleboro Town Landing at noon Friday and eyed the icy Medomak River beneath him, preparing to claim his lottery prize. The proud winner of an elver fishing license, he had been at the landing since 8 a.m. Friday, and “stakin’ this spot out for a couple of weeks.” “It’s a good, anxious feeling,” he said. “It’s like I’ve won the lottery … I didn’t get much sleep last night.” continue

Strong start expected for Maine eel fishing

PORTLAND – Last year’s eel fishing season started strongly when prices topped $2,000 a pound. High prices are expected again when the 2013 season starts Friday. There were reports of fishermen making $10,000 to $20,000 a day last year.continue

Panel endorses increase in Penobscot elver eel licenses

AUGUSTA, Maine — A legislative committee voted unanimously Monday morning to support a bill that will allow the Penobscot Nation to issue 48 elver fishing licenses to its members. Another bill would allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe to issue 200 elver licenses to its members. Maine state law currently does not limit the number of elver licenses that the Passamaquoddys can issue. continue

High prices expected for elver eel season

PORTLAND — Last year’s eel fishing season started strongly when prices rocketed above $2,000 a pound. High prices are again expected when the 2013 season kicks off Friday. Prices won’t be set until the catch gets under way, but eel dealers say there’s little doubt that they’ll be high. continue