Whereas, the Legislature instituted a limited entry system for the elver fishery, reduced the amount of gear a harvester could actively use and decreased the length of the season; and

Whereas, the Legislature stated its intention to review the 1999 elver fishing season and make necessary adjustments for the 2000 season; and

Whereas, the 2000 elver fishing season commences on March 22nd; 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 §6505-A, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1999, c. 7, §2, is further amended to read:

2. Eligibility. An elver fishing license may be issued only to an individual who: held an elver fishing license during the 1999 elver fishing season.

A. During the 1996 elver fishing season held an eel fishing license under former section 6505 or an elver fishing license and paid fees for the use of elver fyke nets, Sheldon eel traps or dip nets in accordance with Public Law 1995, chapter 536, Part A, section 12; and

B. During the 1997 and 1998 elver fishing seasons held an elver fishing license issued under this section.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §6505-A, sub-§4, as amended by PL 1997, c. 297, §1, is further amended to read:

4. Fees. Fees for elver fishing licenses are:

A. For a person who is a resident, $83 $120; and

B. For a person who is a nonresident, $384 $421.