Maine Revised Statutes Title 12. Conservation § 6547. Sale or packing of herring

1. Human consumption and bait purposes. If there is a buyer of herring for processing for human consumption within a reasonable distance of the place where the herring are caught that is available at the time they are offered for sale and ready and willing to purchase at a price acceptable to the seller, it is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell, offer for sale or transfer in any manner herring that are 4 1/2 inches in length or longer, when measured from one extreme to the other, to any person, firm or corporation for purposes other than for human consumption or bait, unless those herring are not desirable for processing for human consumption.

2. Fish meal or oil. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to process herring that are 4 1/2 inches in length or longer, when measured from one extreme to the other, for use as fish meal or oil.

3. Canning, packing or processing. No person, firm or corporation may can, pack or otherwise process those herring other than for human consumption, except as provided in this section.

4. Processing, transfer or sale of by-products. Nothing in this section may prohibit the processing, transfer or sale of herring cuttings, by-products or waste.