Bill > LD1678

This bill directs the Commissioner of Marine Resources to allocate one commercial menhaden fishing license to each of 14 specified island communities in Maine, such as Chebeague Island, Islesboro, and Monhegan. These licenses can only be issued to residents of the specific island community to which they are allocated, and they cannot be transferred to residents of other communities. If a license for a particular island community remains unissued for three consecutive years, the commissioner may reallocate that license to another island community. The bill requires the commissioner to collaborate with municipal officers and local organizations in these island communities to implement the licensing process, which includes verifying applicant residency, facilitating license allocation, and identifying potential additional licenses that could help attract year-round residents. The goal appears to be supporting the economic opportunities and sustainability of these small, often isolated island communities by providing them with dedicated commercial fishing licenses for menhaden, a type of fish important to the local fishing industry.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1678&snum=132