Whereas, certain federal requirements mandate a change in the lobster trap escape vent in the spring of 1999; and

Whereas, this legislation should coincide with those federal changes; 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 §6433, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1987, c. 217, is further amended to read:

1. Vent required. It shall be is unlawful to fish for or to take lobsters unless the lobster trap is equipped with unobstructed vents or gaps in the parlor section which are as follows:

A. A rectangular or oblong escape vent not less than 1 3/4 inches (44.5 mm.) by 5.75 inches (146 mm.) located next to the bottom edge or on the top if the escape vent is placed over the head of the parlor section;

B. Two circular escape vents not less than 2 1/4 inches (57.2 mm.) in diameter located next to the bottom edge;

C. A gap caused by raising, modifying or separating horizontal laths to comply with paragraph A or B;

D. A gap caused by separating or modifying vertical laths to comply with paragraph A;

E. A gap caused by separating both ends of 2 laths 1 3/4 inches (44.5 mm.) on the top of the parlor section next to the middle bow or supporting frame and over the parlor head; or

F. In a wire or plastic trap, by a gap created by cutting vents in the side or end to comply with paragraph A or B.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.