An Act To Create a Spat Collection License
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6074-A is enacted to read:
§ 6074-A. Spat collection license
1. Definition. As used in this section, "spat" means a marine organism in the larval stage.
2. License required. A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current spat collection license issued by the commissioner.
3. Licensed activity. The holder of a spat collection license may take, possess or sell the spat of marine organisms identified on the spat collection license.
4. Type and amount of gear. The commissioner shall specify on a spat collection license the method of taking and the type and amount of gear authorized by the license.
5. Eligibility. A spat collection license may be issued only to an individual who is a resident of the State.
6. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules that define the species of spat that may be collected and the maximum size of spat for each marine organism that a holder of a spat collection license is authorized to take. The commissioner may adopt rules to limit the amount of spat collected and the type and amount of gear that may be used for spat collection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
7. License holder exempted. The holder of a spat collection license is exempted from the requirement to hold a license under this Part for harvesting the species identified on the spat collection license. The holder of a spat collection license is exempted from the time restrictions on taking or possessing or minimum size requirements for that species.
8. Fees. The fee for a spat collection license is $143. All fees collected under this section accrue to the Aquaculture Management Fund established in section 6072-D.
9. Reporting. The commissioner may require the holder of a spat collection license to report annually on the quantity of spat collected and whether the spat was used for aquaculture or stock enhancement activities.
10. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged.
SUMMARY
This bill creates a new license type that authorizes the collection of spat, which are larval marine organisms.