Maine Revised Statutes Title 12. Conservation § 6173. Confidentiality of statistics

1. Collection and reporting of statistics. The commissioner may, with the advice and consent of the advisory council, adopt rules to collect pertinent data with respect to the fisheries, including, but not limited to, information regarding the type and quantity of fishing gear used, catch by species in numbers of fish or weight, areas in which fishing was conducted, time of fishing, number of hauls and the estimated processing capacity of, and the actual processing capacity utilized by United States fish processors. The commissioner may collect statistics from any source and may require reporting of these statistics. The information collected by or reported to the commissioner is confidential and may not be disclosed in a manner or form that permits identification of any person or vessel, except when required by court order or when specifically permitted under this section. The commissioner may share data collected under this section with the National Marine Fisheries Service or successor organization for research or fisheries management purposes as long as federal laws and regulations protect the confidentiality of the shared data. The commissioner may share landings data collected under this subsection with the Bureau of Marine Patrol when necessary for the enforcement of reporting requirements under this section. The commissioner shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted under this section are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

2. Renewal of licenses. If a holder of a license issued under this Part fails to provide information required under this section, the commissioner may refuse to renew that holder's license until the holder complies with the requirements of this section.

3. Equipment required. The commissioner may require a person licensed under chapter 625 to purchase specific equipment that is necessary to comply with rules regarding electronic reporting adopted pursuant to this section as a condition of engaging in the licensed activities.

4. Reimbursement for equipment provided. If the holder of a license issued under chapter 625 fails to pay a fee or charge for equipment that is necessary to comply with rules regarding electronic reporting adopted pursuant to this section and that was provided by the department and either not returned to the department by the license holder or returned in poor condition, the commissioner may refuse to renew or issue any marine resources license or permit to that license holder.