CHAPTER 533

H.P. 1421 - L.D. 2020

An Act Relating to Elver Fishing

CHAPTER 533

H.P. 1421 - L.D. 2020

An Act Relating to Elver Fishing

Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, the management of the American eel population in Maine is dependent on elver dealers reporting harvest data to the Department of Marine Resources in a timely manner; and

Whereas, this legislation must be enacted prior to the end of the elver fishing season on May 31st to ensure the Department of Marine Resources receives harvest data in time to use that information for developing a long-term conservation plan for the American eel; 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. 534, §1, is further amended to read: