126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1452		LR 334(03)
	An Act To Protect Areas in Which Shellfish Conservation Gear Has Been Placed for Predator Control and Habitat Enhancement Purposes and Establish a Municipal Predator Control Pilot Program
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Engrossed with: C "A" (S-434)
	Committee: Marine Resources
Fiscal Note
Minor cost increase - General Fund Minor revenue increase - General Fund
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
	Increases the number of civil violations. The collection of additional fines may also increase General Fund revenue by minor amounts.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The bill requires the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to develop and initiate a predator control strategy in the intertidal zone. The DMR will establish a municipal predator control pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of predater control strategies to increase survival of soft shell clams and marine worms. The pilot project will terminate on February 28, 2015. A report will be presented to the Legislature by January 31, 2015. The bill also creates new civil violations between $300 and $1,000 for those handling gear placed by a municipality for use in a municipal shellfish conservation program and for fishing or taking marine organisms from a predator control area. Any additional costs to the DMR can be absorbed within existing budgeting resources.