Maine Revised Statutes Title 12. Conservation § 6572. Identification of groundfish spawning areas

1. Spawning areas for certain species. By January 1, 1998, the commissioner shall by rule identify all locations of the territorial waters that serve as spawning areas for cod, haddock or yellowtail flounder and the dates during which those spawning activities occur in each area. In determining the coastal spawning areas for cod, haddock and yellowtail flounder, the commissioner shall solicit information on the State's historic coastal groundfish spawning areas from persons who participate in, or are otherwise knowledgeable about, commercial and recreational coastal marine fisheries. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A  1.

2. Report. The commissioner shall by March 15, 2003 report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resources matters on areas identified as spawning areas for cod, haddock or yellowtail flounder and any actions taken by the commissioner regarding those spawning areas.

3. Repeal of authority. After June 30, 2003, the commissioner may not designate spawning areas for cod, haddock or yellowtail flounder.