§6465. Education and Development Fund

The Lobster Research, Education and Development Fund, referred to in this subchapter as the "fund," is established in the department. Balances in the fund may not lapse and must be carried forward and used for the purposes of this section.   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

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.

[PL 2005, c. 239, §6 (AMD).]

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;   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

B. An association representing the interests of persons who harvest lobster commercially in Washington and Hancock counties;   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

C. A southern Maine association representing the interests of persons who harvest lobster commercially;   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

D. A statewide import-export lobster dealers' association;   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

E. A statewide lobster pound owners' association;   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

F. A statewide lobster processors' association;   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

G. The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative under section 6455;   [PL 2013, c. 309, §3 (AMD).]

H. The Lobster Advisory Council established by Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 58; and   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

I. An international lobster institute. This member must be a resident of the State.   [PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW).]

Members are entitled to compensation according to Title 5, chapter 379.

[PL 2013, c. 309, §3 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2001, c. 623, §1 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 239, §6 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 309, §3 (AMD).