12 M.R.S. §6465: Education and Development Fund

The Lobster Research, Education and Development Fund, referred to in this section 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.

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.

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 the following individuals:

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J. Three individuals representing the interests of persons who harvest lobster commercially. These individuals must reflect a geographic distribution along the coast of the State;

K. Three individuals representing the interests of persons who hold wholesale seafood licenses with lobster permits;

L. One individual representing the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative under section 6455‑A;

M. One individual representing the Lobster Advisory Council established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 58; and

N. One individual who has expertise in lobster science.

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