F.__When a lobster management policy council proposes to the commissioner to establish an exit ratio for the first time to limit new zone entrants under paragraph A, it may also propose to the commissioner a provision to exempt from the exit ratio, upon completion of the apprentice program, an individual who has completed at least 92% of the hours required and at least 92% of the days required by the apprentice program established under section 6422 by the date the commissioner receives written notification from the lobster management policy council pursuant to paragraph D.

Sec. 5. 12 MRSA §6462-A, sub-§1, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 208, §3, is amended to read:

D. Three persons who hold lobster and crab fishing licenses and who are not members of lobster management policy councils established under section 6447, appointed by the commissioner. Each person appointed under this paragraph must reside in a different county. One person appointed under this paragraph must hold a noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license.

Sec. 6. 12 MRSA §6465, sub-§§1 and 2, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 623, §1, are amended to read:

1. Sources and uses of fund. Revenues from lobster special registration plate fees credited to the fund under Title 29-A, section 456-A may be used for research and education to support the development of the lobster industry in this State. Revenues may also be used to support the operation of the research, education and development board described in subsection 2, including reimbursement for travel expenses of its members.

2. Research, education and development board. The commissioner shall appoint a research, education and development board and consult with the board regarding the expenditures from the fund. The board is composed of one member from each of the following organizations:

A. A statewide association representing the interests of persons who harvest lobster commercially;

B. An association representing the interests of persons who harvest lobster commercially in Washington and Hancock counties;