MACHIAS (AP) — State commercial fishing regulators are working on a string of closures to scalloping grounds around the state as the season nears its end.
A spokesman for the state Department of Marine Resources says the agency is working on an emergency action that would close areas such as the Inner Machias Rotational Area, Wahoa/Jonesport Reach and Gouldsboro Bay and Dyers Bay .
A handful of other areas would also close. Casco Bay would close to draggers, but not divers. The spokesman says the closures will likely be effective by Sunday.
The scalloping season began in December and is scheduled to close next month. Maine scallops were worth about $5.75 million last year.
Scallops are popular restaurant items that have grown in value per pound in each of the last six years.
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