9. Violation; restitution. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. If a person violates subsection 7 by cutting any lines or marker buoys or intentionally damaging approved aquaculture gear, the court shall also:

A. Order that person to pay to the owner of the approved aquaculture gear that was cut or damaged an amount equal to twice the replacement value of the gear that was damaged or lost as a result of the cutting or damaging action; and

B. Direct that person to provide the commissioner, upon making full payment as ordered by the court, proof of that payment.

Sec. 6. 12 MRSA §6073-A, as amended by PL 1999, c. 575, §1, is further amended to read:

§6073-A. Season and minimum size exemption; aquaculture

The holder of a lease issued under section 6072, 6072-A or, 6072-B or 6072-C is exempt from any requirement regarding the time of taking or possessing, minimum or maximum length or other minimum or maximum size requirement for any marine organism cultivated on the leased area. The exemption applies only to those organisms actually cultivated on the leased area. The commissioner shall require a system of identification of organisms exempted under this section.

Sec. 7. 12 MRSA §6078-A, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2003, c. 660, Pt. A, §§19 and 20, is repealed.

Sec. 8. 12 MRSA §6078-A, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 247, §19, is repealed.

Sec. 9. 12 MRSA §6080, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2003, c. 247, §20, is further amended to read:

3. Purpose. The council shall make recommendations to the commissioner concerning expenditures from the Aquaculture Monitoring, Research and Development Management Fund for the purposes described under section 6078-A, subsections 3 and 4 6072-D and for other matters of interest to the aquaculture industry.