Species Composition and Economic Value of Maine's Winter Baitfish Industry

Abstract

Abstract The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife conducted annual inspections of baitfish wholesale and retail outlets from 1985 to 1996 to determine compliance with species restrictions and to measure the magnitude of Maine's baitfish trade. Several teams, each composed of one biologist and one wildlife law enforcement person, inspected about 10% of Maine's licensed bait sellers each February. During the 12 years of this program, 10 species of illegal baitfish were found. The occurrence of illegal baitfish found in bait shops declined during the program from a high of about 16% of the shops inspected in 1985 to an average of about 4% of inspected shops per year after 1988. Maine's baitfish industry was valued at US$4.71 million and involved more than 20 million fish. Annual on-site inspections can build working relationships between regulators and vendors, increase compliance with state laws, and be a valid method for collecting biological and economic information.