Fines imposed under this subsection may not be suspended.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §6749-O, sub-§5 is enacted to read:

5.__Protection from depletion.__The commission may adopt rules for sea urchin license limited entry system to prohibit a new entry in a year when it is necessary to protect or conserve the urchin fishery from imminent depletion.

Sec. 4. 12 MRSA §6749-R, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2001, c. 327, §15, is further amended to read:

1. Uses of fund. The commissioner shall use the fund for research directly related to sea urchin fishery management information needs and for reporting to licensed sea urchin harvesters, boat tenders, processors and buyers on the results of research and the use of fund revenues. The purpose of that research must be to determine, with the highest reliability possible given available resources, the greatest level of effort that may be applied to the sea urchin fishery without harming the long-term economic and biological sustainability of the sea urchin fishery. The commissioner shall consult with the Sea Urchin Zone Council under section 6749-X before deciding upon research projects and awarding grants from the fund. The fund may be used to provide for safety education and training requirements for the sea urchin fishery and to administer management measures for the fishery.__The commissioner shall consult with the Sea Urchin Zone Council on the expenditure of funds for these purposes. The fund may also be used to cover the costs associated with determining eligibility for licenses under this subchapter, for law enforcement and support for the Sea Urchin Zone Council, including reimbursement for travel expenses. Up to 30% of allotted revenues may be used for law enforcement purposes.

Sec. 5. Report. The Department of Marine Resources shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resources matters on the implementation of this Act no later than January 1, 2005.

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