The Scallop Research Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established in the department.__Balances in the fund may not lapse and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

1.__Uses of fund.__The commissioner shall use the fund for research directly related to scallop fishery management information needs and for reporting to licensed scallop harvesters on the results of research and the use of fund revenues.__The commissioner may authorize the expenditure of money in the fund for research and development programs that address the restoration, development or conservation of scallop resources.__The commissioner shall consult with the Scallop Advisory Council under section 6729-B before deciding upon research projects and awarding grants from the fund.__The fund may also be used for support of the Scallop Advisory Council, including reimbursement for travel expenses.

2. Sources of revenue.__The fund is capitalized by surcharges assessed under section 6729.__In addition to those revenues, the commissioner may accept and deposit in the fund money from any other source, public or private.

3.__Scallop Advisory Council.__The commissioner shall consult with the Scallop Advisory Council under section 6729-B on the expenditure of funds under this section.

§6729-B.__Scallop Advisory Council

1.__Appointment; composition.__The Scallop Advisory Council, referred to in this section as "the council," established by Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 57-F, consists of 13 members.__The commissioner shall appoint the members as follows:

A.__Four scallop harvesters who hold current hand fishing scallop licenses;

B.__Four scallop harvesters who hold current scallop draggers licenses;

C.__Two wholesale seafood license holders who deal in scallops;

D. Two scientists who have expertise in marine resources management; and

E. One person who is a public member.