AUGUSTA – Rep. Pinny Beebe-Center, D-Rockland, is appealing the Legislative Council’s rejection of her bill to give the commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources the ability to vary the start date of the elver season depending on weather conditions.  

“Last year, the late spring meant that many elver harvesters had an extremely short season,” said Beebe-Center, in a news release. “Lots of fishermen missed out on an important part of their income because of it.”

Under Maine law, the elver fishing season goes from March 22 to May 31.  Beebe-Center’s proposal would allow the start date to change based on prevailing weather conditions, but the season would stay at 71 days, allowing fishermen to have a full season.

“Elvers don’t run because the calendar says so, but when the weather is right,” Beebe-Center said. “Being able to change the start date of the season to reflect the reality of changing weather from year to year makes sense.”

During even-numbered years, the Legislature generally limits bill submissions to those that address emergencies and other pressing situations. The Legislative Council, which is made up of each party’s leaders in the Maine House and Senate, decides which bills fit the criteria. 

Of the nearly 400 bills submitted for the 2016 legislative session, 33 received the green light from the Council.  The Council will consider all appeals on Nov. 19.

Beebe-Center is serving her first term in the House and represents Rockland and Owls Head.