Resolve, To Establish a Lobster Trap Tag Transfer Program

Sec. 1. Lobster trap tag transfer program. Resolved: That, by January 1, 2008, the Commissioner of Marine Resources shall develop a draft lobster trap tag transfer program to allow the holder of lobster trap tags to sell or otherwise transfer any number of that person’s lobster trap tags to another person who holds a valid lobster and crab fishing license issued under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 6421. The program must include but is not limited to the following:

1. A cap on the total number of lobster trap tags available at the number of lobster trap tags issued in 2006 or less;

2. A system to track the transfer of lobster trap tags and assess fees;

3. A limit on the total number of lobster trap tags a person can hold within one lobster management zone;

4. A requirement that a person may only sell or transfer lobster trap tags within the same lobster management zone for which the tag was initially issued;

5. Protocol allowing the holder of lobster trap tags to gift those trap tags to someone within that person’s immediate family without paying transfer fees;

6. A one-time $5 fee on each lobster trap tag issued to fund efforts for restocking female lobsters in state waters or another comparable conservation measure; and

7. A $5 transfer fee on each lobster trap tag transferred to another person. Revenues raised by this transfer fee must be used for restocking female lobsters in state waters or for another comparable conservation measure; and be it further

Sec. 2. Reporting date and draft legislation. Resolved: That, by January 11, 2008, the Commissioner of Marine Resources shall submit the draft lobster trap tag transfer program to the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources including draft legislation necessary to implement the draft lobster trap tag transfer program. The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources may submit legislation to implement the draft lobster trap tag transfer program during the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.

summary

This resolve requires the Commissioner of Marine Resources to establish a lobster trap tag transfer program that allows the holder of lobster trap tags to sell or otherwise transfer any number of that person’s lobster trap tags to another person who holds a valid lobster and crab fishing license. It provides that the program must include a cap on the number of trap tags at no more than 2006 levels and a $5 transfer fee. Revenues raised under this program must be used to fund lobster restocking or for other comparable conservation measures. The resolve directs the Commissioner of Marine Resources to submit the draft lobster trap tag transfer program and draft legislation to implement the program to the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources by January 11, 2008.