Whereas, it is necessary and vital to the people of the State that Maine's fishing heritage be preserved; and

Whereas, this legislation will convene a task force to study policies concerning the fishing industry; 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

Sec. 1. Task force established. Resolved: That the Task Force to Make Recommendations Regarding Loss of Commercial Fishing Waterfront Access and Other Economic Development Issues Affecting Commercial Fishing, referred to in this resolve as the "task force," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Task force membership. Resolved: That the task force consists of the following 10 members appointed jointly by the presiding officers of the Legislature:

1. Two members of the Legislature, one of whom serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources;

2. Four members representing the fishing industry;

3. Two members representing state agencies that regulate the fishing industry; and

4. Two members of the general public, one of whom represents municipal government; and be it further

Sec. 3. Chair. Resolved: That the task force shall elect a chair from among its members at the first task force meeting; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; meetings. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council must be notified by all appointing authorities once the selections have been made. When the appointment of all members has been completed, the chair of the Legislative Council or the chair's designee shall call and convene the first meeting of the task force no later than 15 days after the final member is appointed; and be it further