CHAPTER 160
S.P. 185 - L.D. 576
An Act To Reestablish the Ban on Dragging in the Taunton River Area
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the prohibition on dragging in the Taunton River area expired on March 1, 2005; and
Whereas, restrictions on dragging are necessary to protect and conserve marine organisms in Taunton Bay; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6959-A is enacted to read:
§6959-A. Dragging in Taunton River area
A person may not fish with any drag or combination of drags in the territorial waters westerly and northerly of Sullivan Falls in the towns of Hancock and Sullivan in Hancock County, including Egypt Bay, Taunton Bay and Hog Bay. This section does not apply to research activities in Taunton Bay that are authorized by the commissioner. Research activities may include, but are not limited to, scientific studies and experimental commercial mussel harvesting. This section is repealed July 1, 2008.
Sec. 2. Report. No later than January 12, 2007, the Department of Marine Resources shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resources matters a science-based comprehensive resource management plan for Taunton Bay. The plan must address the principal user groups, including recreational, scientific and commercial mussel harvesting interests, in the context of sustaining the ecological processes, functions and values of Taunton Bay. The plan may include proposed legislation to implement the department's recommendations for resource management in Taunton Bay.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.
Effective May 20, 2005.
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