Bill > H3955

This bill proposes to establish a marine special activity license program in Massachusetts. The key provisions are as follows: The bill defines important terms such as "attract" (any activity that lures marine organisms), "harvest" (the catching, taking, or molesting of a marine organism), and "scientific research" (activities involving observation, measurement, experimentation, monitoring, or restoration of marine organisms). The bill authorizes the Division of Marine Fisheries to grant special activity licenses for oceanic scientific research, including aquaculture, scientific collection and study, education, and restoration activities. The director will review license applications based on criteria such as the applicant's eligibility, the completeness of the application, the potential impacts of the proposed activities, and the biological status of the target species. The bill specifies the types of individuals and organizations that are eligible to apply for a special activity license, including principal investigators, research staff, and government agency personnel. It also establishes a non-refundable processing fee for the licenses. Finally, the bill requires license holders to submit activity reports and copies of any publications or reports generated from the licensed activities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H3955