Maine Revised Statutes

1. Research.  The lobster research program shall include investigation of lobster population dynamics, reproductive behavior and migration patterns. Specific attention shall be given to evaluating the impacts of the State's v-notch program on the reproductive potential of lobster stocks.

2. Policy investigations.  The commissioner shall develop in the lobster research program the capacity to systematically analyze the effects of conservation and management options. The analysis includes both the biological and economic components of the fishery. Options for policy analysis include, without limitaton, changes in the lobster measures, seasons, limitations on effort and limitations on entry to the fishery. Analysis of these options shall be conducted cooperatively with the industry and the Lobster Advisory Council.

3. Data collection.  The commissioner shall continue the lobster fisheries data collection project undertaken by the department since 1967. Continuity of data collection shall be ensured.

4. Cooperation.  The commissioner shall cooperatively develop and coordinate the lobster research program with the University of Maine and the lobster industry.

5. Report.  The commissioner shall prepare an annual report to the Legislature setting out the accomplishments of the previous year and an updated, 5-year research plan for future activities with proposed budget requirements. The report shall be reviewed by the Lobster Advisory Council prior to submission to the Legislature. The report shall be submitted to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resources on or before March 15th of each year.

6. Funds.  All federal and state funds obtained and used by the department for lobster research shall be utilized to achieve the objectives of this subchapter.