1. "Department" means the Department of Marine Resources.

2. "Great Salt Bay" means the tidal portion of the Damariscotta River in the towns of Damariscotta, Newcastle and Nobleboro that is north of the U.S. Route 1 highway bridge; and be it further

Sec. 2. Participation in study. Resolved: That the department shall participate in the planning and evaluation of a privately funded study of the Great Salt Bay's ecology and resources during the period ending June 30, 2005, including representation of the department on a joint study management committee to be formed of representatives of the shellfish harvesting community, recreational ice anglers, the local land trusts, municipal officers of the towns of Damariscotta, Newcastle and Nobleboro and the University of Maine Darling Marine Center laboratory; and be it further

Sec. 3. Moratorium on fishing and harvesting activities. Resolved: That the department shall impose a moratorium on fishing and harvesting activities in the Great Salt Bay that were not permitted as of July 1, 2001, for a period of 4 years ending June 30, 2005, pending a scientific assessment of the bay.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Marine Resources to participate in a privately funded study of the activities in the Great Salt Bay. It also requires the department to place a 4- year moratorium on new fishing and harvesting activities in the Great Salt Bay pending the outcome of the assessment.