H.P. 636 - L.D. 886
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, it is a goal of the State to enhance the lobster population and ensure a sustainable lobster fishery; and
Whereas, it is in the interest of the State to study the feasibility and cost of establishing lobster hatcheries; and
Whereas, a study must be initiated promptly in order that the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for the next legislative session; 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. Committee established. Resolved: That the Committee to Study the Establishment of Lobster Hatcheries, referred to in this resolve as the "committee," is established; and be it further
Sec. 2. Membership; appointments; chair. Resolved: That the committee consists of 10 members appointed as follows:
1. Seven members representing each of the lobster management zones established under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 6446, appointed by the lobster management policy council established for the zone;
2. One member representing the Department of Marine Resources;
3. One scientist, appointed by the Commissioner of Marine Resources. The commissioner shall consider recommendations made by the Lobster Advisory Council; and
4. One public member, appointed by the Commissioner of Marine Resources.
All appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The committee shall select a chair at its first meeting; and be it further
Sec. 3. Meetings. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Marine Resources shall call and convene the first meeting of the committee no later than June 15, 1999. The committee shall notify the members of the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources of each meeting; and be it further
Sec. 4. Duties. Resolved: That the committee shall gather available data and studies relating to lobster hatcheries and examine the feasibility and cost of establishing lobster hatcheries in the State. The committee shall submit a report in accordance with section 7; and be it further
Sec. 5. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Department of Marine Resources shall provide necessary staffing services to the committee; and be it further
Sec. 6. Compensation. Resolved: That the committee members serve on a voluntary basis; and be it further
Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That the committee shall submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources by December 31, 1999. The recommendations must include provisions for hatcheries to produce Stage IV lobsters for the entire coast and for the establishment of up to one hatchery per zone; and be it further
Sec. 8. Legislation. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources may report out legislation during the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature regarding lobster hatcheries.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective May 11, 1999.
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