An Act Regarding Commercial Elver Fishing Licenses Issued by the Penobscot Nation

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

Whereas,  this legislation expands the availability of marine resources licenses for members of the Penobscot Nation; and

Whereas,  it is important that these licenses be available during the spring because of the seasonal nature of harvesting certain marine species; 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 §6302-A, sub-§3, ¶E,  as amended by PL 2011, c. 598, §17, is further amended to read:

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

SUMMARY

This bill increases the number of commercial licenses for the taking of elvers that the Penobscot Nation may issue in any calendar year from 8 to 48. It also specifies that if the Commissioner of Marine Resources and the Penobscot Nation determine elver resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of more licenses, the commissioner by rule may increase the number.