AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine fishery officials are holding public hearings on proposed rules for the next scallop-fishing season.

For most of the state from New Hampshire to the Canadian line, the Department of Marine Resources is proposing a 70-day season with a daily catch limit from Dec. 2 into late March. The department is also proposing that certain areas be open for fishing for only limited times, and that other areas be closed altogether to allow scallop populations to rebuild.

A 44-day season is being proposed for the scallop-rich waters of Cobscook Bay along the Canadian border in far eastern Maine.

The department is holding public hearings Tuesday in Wiscasset, Wednesday in Machias and Thursday in Ellsworth.

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