The state of Maine is closing coastal waters to elver fishing until further notice.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s elver fishermen were all ready to start their short season on Sunday, but now have to put the nets away. The Department of Marine Resources is canceling the start of the season for at least the first two weeks, to reduce the chance of people spreading coronavirus, a decision the Department acknowledges will be devastating.

In a letter to fishermen, Marine Resources Commissioner Pat Keliher said they are concerned about “the typical crowded conditions both on the rivers and in the shops could not only allow transmission, but also speed the spread of the disease throughout the state as fishermen traveled along the coast to harvest and sell elvers, and then return to their homes.”

Keliher’s letter goes on to say they are closing the coastal waters to elver fishing until further notice. The ban on fishing also prohibits anyone from selling elver fishing equipment, such as nets.

Keliher said he knows the decision will be “devastating” to many of the fishermen, who hope to make a substantial income during the season. The letter says the department will work with the fishing industry to try to find a way to open the season at some point in the next two months. The season typically closes at the end of May.