Whereas, the elver fishery has sustained a doubling in fishing effort in one year; and

Whereas, it is important that this fishery be managed as a sustainable fishery; and

Whereas, the level of fishing pressure experienced in the fishery places this resource at risk; and

Whereas, the fishing season in this fishery commences March 15th of this year; 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,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6001, sub-§13-H, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 91, §2, is amended to read:

13-H. Elver dip net. "Elver dip net" means a dip net with a hoop of not more than 30 inches in diameter and fitted with netting that measures 1/8 inch bar mesh or less that is manually operated by one person.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §6505-A, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 536, Pt. A, §8, is amended to read:

3. Limits on issuance. The department may not issue an elver fishing license after during the period between March 15th and before June 16th the end of the open season for elver fishing.

Beginning with the issuance of the year 2001 licenses, and for each year thereafter, the department may not issue an elver fishing license during the period between March 1st and the end of the open season for elver fishing.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §6575, as amended by PL 1997, c. 91, §4, is further amended to read:

§6575. Closed season; elver harvesting