Whereas, the illegal introduction of fish into Maine waters is increasing and the harm to the aquatic environment can be devastating to native fish populations; and

Whereas, enforcement of current regulations pertaining to illegal stocking of fish are problematic as the violations are rarely observed by others, resulting in very low incidence of reports of such illegal activity; and

Whereas, enhancing the penalties and enacting mandatory license suspensions for violations of the current laws related to the possession of live fish species in Maine will improve the ability of enforcement officers to prevent illegal introductions of fish; and

Whereas, it is imperative that this legislation take effect immediately to reduce this devastating harm; 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 §7077, sub-§1-B, ¶A, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 136, §1, is amended to read:

A. Introducing fish into inland waters without a permit in violation of section 7371, subsection 3 as it applies to section 7202, subsection 1; section 7203, subsection 1; section 7204, subsection 1; and section 7206;

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7077, sub-§1-B, ¶B-1 is enacted to read:

B-1.__Possessing fish in violation of section 7604-A;

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §7604-A is enacted to read:

§7604-A.__Illegal possession of live fish

Except as otherwise provided in this Part, any fish legally taken from inland waters pursuant to this Part, except baitfish and smelts, must be immediately released alive into the waters