AUGUSTA – The deadline for Mainers hoping to obtain a scallop fishing license has been extended by legislative action to May 1.

The passage of LD 2071, An Act to Amend Maine’s Scallop Laws, means that Maine will restrict the issuance of scallop licenses in 2009 and thereafter to people who held licenses between 2005 and May 1, 2008.

Maine’s Department of Marine Resources has issued 456 scallop dragger licenses for the 2008 season. Individuals interested in applying for a license should write to Department of Marine Resources, 21 State House Station, Augusta 04333. The DMR phone number is 624-6550. The cost for a scallop license is $211 per year.