CHAPTER 189
H.P. 687 - L.D. 951
An Act to Maximize the State's Processing of Aquaculture Fish and to Extend the Salmon Aquaculture Monitoring, Research and Development Fund
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the Salmon Aquaculture Monitoring, Research and Development Fund will be repealed on July 1, 1997 unless immediate action is taken; and
Whereas, the Salmon Aquaculture Monitoring, Research and Development Fund is essential to the continued monitoring and development of the State's valuable salmon aquaculture industry; 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 §6078, sub-§9, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 609, §2, is amended to read:
9. Repeal. This section is repealed July 1, 1997 1999.
Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §6080, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 609, §3, is amended to read:
6. Repeal. This section is repealed July 1, 1997 1999.
Sec. 3. Report. The Commissioner of Marine Resources shall submit a report by February 1, 1998 to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House and the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources on strategies to maximize in-state processing of fish raised in the State's aquaculture facilities and strategies for growth of Maine's finfish aquaculture industry in a manner compatible with traditional fisheries. The report must include analyses of the following:
1. The number or poundage of fish raised in state aquaculture facilities that is processed in Maine and in other states or countries;
2. The number or poundage of fish processed in Maine and identification of the states or countries from which the fish originates;
3. The opportunities to increase Maine processing of fish raised in aquaculture facilities;
4. Market conditions and actions necessary to result in the processing in Maine of all fish raised in Maine aquaculture facilities;
5. The current state and practices of the finfish aquaculture industry in Maine, including the extent and location of lease holdings, employment, sales, consumption of Maine-based products and payment of state and local taxes;
6. The economic benefits to Maine from current activities and businesses associated with finfish aquaculture, including processing, shipping, transportation, purchases of supplies and equipment and production of food supplies for Maine and other United States citizens;
7. Strategies for Maine to increase the economic benefits derived from the State's finfish aquaculture industry and identification of those benefits; and
8. The payment or nonpayment of the production fee required under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 6078 by people who produce salmon in areas leased from the State and the method by which those salmon are weighed and the fee is assessed.
The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources may report out legislation during the Second Regular Session of the 118th Legislature regarding the State's aquaculture laws.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.
Effective May 15, 1997.
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