AUGUSTA — The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is hosting public meetings concerning proposed fishing regulation changes for the 2016 open water and ice fishing seasons.

Each year, IFW updates the fishing law book. Regulation changes are needed in order to enhance fishing opportunities throughout the state, as well as to protect fish from overfishing. This year, there are more than 150 proposed regulation changes for Maine’s 6,000 lakes and ponds and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams. Proposed changes may be read on the department’s website.

A Local meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the University of Maine Farmington, Olson Student Center N. Dining Hall B, 111 South St., Farmington.

For residents unable to attend the public hearings, there is a public comment period that runs until Monday, Aug. 3. Comments may be sent to [email protected] or Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St., No. 41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

FMI: www.mefishwildlife.com.