Sec. 1. 12 MRSA Pt. 13 is enacted to read:

PART 13

NORTH ATLANTIC COLD WATER OBSERVATORY

CHAPTER 813

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§10001.__North Atlantic Cold Water Observatory

1.__Observatory established.__The North Atlantic Cold Water Observatory, referred to in this Part as the "observatory," is a nonprofit research organization established to research the conditions of the North Atlantic Ocean, including its fisheries and climate.

2.__Members.__The observatory is governed by a board of directors that consists of the following 7 members:

A.__The Commissioner of Marine Resources;

B.__Two members appointed by the commissioner;

C.__Two members appointed by the President of the Senate; and

D.__Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

3.__Powers and duties.__The observatory has the following powers and duties:

A.__To conduct research into the North Atlantic Ocean and its fisheries, climates and other characteristics;

B.__To work collectively with other public and private organizations both in and outside of the State, to advance such research;

C.__To advise and assist the Department of Marine Resources and others with respect to the implementation of the results found pursuant to the research performed by the observatory; and

D.__To accept funds from state and federal agencies and from other public and private sources.