Sec. 2. Study. Resolved: That the Department of Marine Resources shall study the effects of aquaculture activities in the ecosystem of Blue Hill Bay and hold a publicized public hearing in the area of Blue Hill Bay to seek public comment. The department shall report back to the First Regular Session of the 121st Legislature by January 1, 2003 with the results of the study, including any necessary implementing legislation. If the report recommends that the moratorium established in this resolve should be lifted, the report must include findings of the department to support that recommendation.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes a 4-year moratorium on the issuance of new aquaculture licenses in Blue Hill Bay. The resolve also requires the Department of Marine Resources to undertake a study of the effects of aquaculture on the ecosystem of the bay and requires the department to hold a public hearing in the area of Blue Hill Bay. The study has a reporting date of January 1, 2003.