Whereas, the sea cucumber fishery is a new fishery; and

Whereas, the fishery is being intensively harvested; and

Whereas, there is inadequate scientific data to assess the impact of harvesting on the resource or the ecosystem; 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 §§6808 to 6813 are enacted to read:

§6808.__Sea cucumber boat license

1.__License required.__It is unlawful for a person to use a boat for dragging for sea cucumbers unless that boat carries a sea cucumber boat license issued by the commissioner.

2.__Licensed activity.__A boat licensed under this section may be used for dragging for sea cucumbers and to possess, ship, sell or transport sea cucumbers under the license.__The license also authorizes the captain and crew members aboard the licensed boat when engaged in dragging for sea cucumbers to undertake these activities.

3.__Eligibility.__A sea cucumber boat license is only issued to an individual and must be a resident license.

4.__Fees.__The fee for a sea cucumber boat license is $289, of which $89 is for a general commercial fishing permit.__The balance of $200 accrues to the Sea Cucumber Management Fund established in section 6812.

§6809.__Closed areas

Unless modified by rules adopted under section 6171-A, it is unlawful to fish for or take sea cucumbers in the coastal waters from April 16th to November 30th, both days inclusive.

§6810.__Drag