Sec. 1. 12 MRSA c. 712 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 712

ATLANTIC SALMON MANAGEMENT

§7641.__Powers

The commissioner has the sole authority to manage the Atlantic salmon fishery in the State, including the sole authority to introduce Atlantic salmon into inland waters, other than commercial aquaculture facilities and associated activities.__The commissioner has the sole authority to limit or prohibit the taking of Atlantic salmon, issue licenses for the taking of Atlantic salmon and adopt rules establishing the time, place and manner of Atlantic salmon fishing in all waters of the State.__In addition, the commissioner may:

1.__Programs.__Conduct research, publish and disseminate information and plan, report and implement programs necessary for the purposes of managing Atlantic salmon fisheries;

2.__Contracts and agreements.__Enter into any contracts, agreements or other arrangements with public agencies and with private parties that the commissioner finds necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;

3.__Rules.__Adopt rules necessary to manage the Atlantic salmon fishery and to promote the conservation and propagation of Atlantic salmon.__Rules adopted by the commissioner must be enforced by the Department of Marine Resources, the department and other public officials authorized by law to enforce marine resource laws or inland fisheries and wildlife laws.__Rules adopted pursuant to this section are major substantive rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A; and

4.__Property.__Subject to other applicable requirements of law, acquire, install, construct, operate, manage, sell and convey interests in real and personal property, including, without limitation, lands, dams, buildings, facilities, structures, flowage rights, mill privileges, easements and rights-of-way, as the commissioner finds necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, as long as prior rights of municipalities are not affected by the requirements.

§7642.__Atlantic Salmon Fund