CHAPTER 593

H.P. 1271 - L.D. 1749

An Act To Provide for the Assessment of the Mahogany

Quahog Resource

Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, the mahogany quahog fishery industry provides an important source of income to Maine fishermen; and

Whereas, the mahogany quahog quota for Maine is determined at the federal level and is not based on current scientific information; and

Whereas, a source of funding is needed to accurately assess Maine's mahogany quahog resource and ensure the sustainability of the Maine fishery; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6731-A, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 561, §1, is amended to read: