Maine Revised Statutes

1. Commission established; purposes.  The Atlantic Salmon Commission, referred to in this subchapter as "the commission," is established to provide policy direction for Atlantic salmon programs within the department. The purposes of the commission are to protect, preserve, enhance, restore and manage the Atlantic salmon and its habitat; to secure a sustainable recreational fishery in the State; and to conduct and coordinate all projects involving research, planning, management, restoration or propagation of the Atlantic salmon. In fulfillment of its purposes, the commission may conduct research, publish and disseminate information and plan, report and implement programs necessary for the purposes of managing Atlantic salmon and its habitat.

2. Commission powers and responsibilities.  The commission has the responsibility of working with other agencies in the executive branch of State Government and with the Legislature, federal and international agencies and the private sector in carrying out the purposes under subsection 1. The commission has the sole authority to introduce Atlantic salmon into the inland waters, other than in commercial aquaculture facilities. The commission has the sole authority to limit or prohibit the taking of Atlantic salmon, and may adopt rules establishing the time, place and manner of Atlantic salmon fishing in all waters of the State.

3. Rules.  The commission may adopt rules necessary to manage the Atlantic salmon fishery and to promote the conservation and propagation of the Atlantic salmon. Rules adopted by the commission must be enforced by the department, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and other public officials authorized by law to enforce marine resource laws or inland fisheries and wildlife laws. The department and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife retain exclusive jurisdiction over rules pertaining to species other than Atlantic salmon that are designed to promote the conservation and propagation of Atlantic salmon. The departments shall consult with the commission and the Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat Advisory Council, established in section 6139, in adopting such rules.

4. Staff.  The department shall provide staff to carry out the purposes of the commission.