Maine Revised Statutes

1. Fund established.  The Eel and Elver Management Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established as a dedicated, nonlapsing fund.

2. Permissible uses.  The commissioner may use the fund in accordance with a plan required under subsection 3 to research and manage the State's eel and elver resources, to enforce the laws related to eels and elvers and to cover the costs associated with determining eligibility for elver fishing licenses.

3. Plan required.  Beginning in calendar year 1997, the commissioner shall by May 1st of each year present a plan for expenditures from the fund for the next fiscal year to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resource matters. When developing the plan, the commissioner shall consult with people who harvest eels and elvers, with dealers of eels and elvers and with the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.