An Act To Repeal Authorization for Smelt Fishing in Mud Brook in Aroostook County

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

Whereas,  there exists a marked decline in the abundance of smelt; and

Whereas,  in order to prevent overfishing of smelt, it is necessary to take immediate action; and

Whereas,  this legislation repeals authorization for smelting in Mud Brook in Aroostook County; 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,

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §12460-A,  as amended by PL 2009, c. 218, §1, is repealed.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

Current law provides that, notwithstanding laws to the contrary, a person may fish for smelt by use of a dip net in Mud Brook, a tributary of Long Lake within Township 17, Range 3, Aroostook County. This bill repeals the provision that authorizes smelting in Mud Brook.