Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-I, sub-§57-E is enacted to read:

57-E. Maine Soft- None 12 MRSA

Marine shell Clam §6691

Resources Advisory

Council

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA c. 623, sub-c. I, art. 6 is enacted to read:

Article 6

MAINE SOFT-SHELL CLAM

ADVISORY COUNCIL

§6691.__Maine Soft-shell Clam Advisory Council

1.__Responsibility.__It is the responsibility of the Maine Soft-shell Clam Advisory Council, as established in Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 57-E and referred to in this article as the "council," to provide a forum where issues and policies relating to soft-shell clam management and marketing may be discussed openly and freely among all stakeholders and a structure established by which problems and needs can be resolved through teamwork and creative thinking.__The council shall gather information at the local level, recommend policy and redistribute information back to the local level.

2.__Council composition.__The council consists of a minimum of 12 but no more than 15 members appointed by the commissioner.__In filling positions on the council, the commissioner shall seek recommendations from the soft-shell clam industry, municipalities engaged in soft-shell clam management and department staff associated with shellfish regulation.__The commissioner shall request various industry groups or members to submit nominations.__ The number of nominations must exceed the number of vacant positions.__At least 50% of the positions must be filled by persons nominated by the soft-shell clam industry.

A.__The council must reflect a geographical distribution of the coast to the extent practical.

B.__At least 4 of the council members must be municipal officials or municipal shellfish committee members.

C.__At least 7 members must represent the soft-shell clam industry and must include:

(1)__Two certified shellfish dealers: