§12763. Use or possession of gill net; Penobscot

Nation research; department personnel

1. Prohibition. Except as otherwise allowed under this section, a person, including any agent of the State, may not use or possess a gill net.

A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. The court shall also impose a fine of $20 for each fish unlawfully possessed, none of which may be suspended.

2. Penobscot Nation research. Under the direction of its director, the staff of the Department of Natural Resources of the Penobscot Nation may use gill nets for the purpose of scientific fisheries research and management on any waters within, flowing through or adjacent to Penobscot Indian territory as defined in Title 30, section 6205, subsection 2.

A. The authority granted under this subsection is subject to the following constraints.

(1) Both ends of the gill net must be marked with buoys that are clearly visible from a distance of 300 feet and that identify the Department of Natural Resources of the Penobscot Nation as the owner of the net.

(2) The results of each netting must be forwarded on a weekly basis to the office of the commissioner where the results must be available for public inspection.

A person may not fail to comply with any provision of this paragraph.

A person who violates this paragraph commits a Class E crime.

B.__The following penalties apply to violations of paragraph A.

(1)__A person who violates paragraph A commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

(2)__A person who violates paragraph A after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.