An Act To Prohibit Dragging for Bait Fish in Certain Territorial Waters
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6954-D is enacted to read:
§ 6954-D. Dragging within 2 miles of shore
1. Prohibition. A person may not use a drag to catch bait fish within the first 2 miles of territorial waters.
2. Rules. The department shall adopt rules to implement this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section must define “bait fish” and establish the nautical line clearly delineating the area encompassed by the first 2 miles of the territorial waters. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
3. Violation. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged for each violation.
summary
This bill prohibits using a drag to catch bait fish within the first 2 miles of territorial waters, and requires the Department of Marine Resources to adopt rules to implement this prohibition.