Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6422, sub-§4, ¶B, as amended by PL 1997, c. 574, §2, is further amended to read:

B. Documents to the commissioner that the person obtained practical lobster fishing experience as a holder of a student license issued under section 6421; or

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §6422, sub-§4, ¶E, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 574, §3, is amended to read:

E. Documents to the commissioner that the person obtained practical lobster fishing experience as an apprentice in the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area pursuant to section 6475.; or

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §6422, sub-§4, ¶F is enacted to read:

F.__Documents to the commissioner that the person obtained practical lobster fishing experience as a holder of a Class I lobster and crab fishing license.__For each 3 years of experience documented, one year of the apprenticeship may be waived.

SUMMARY

Current law requires a person seeking entry into the lobster fishery to complete an apprentice program. Certain waivers are available.

This bill allows the Commissioner of Marine Resources to waive one year of the apprentice program for each 3 years the applicant has of practical lobster fishing experience as a holder of a Class I lobster and crab fishing license.