12 M.R.S. §6803: Seaweed permit

1. Permit required. Except as provided in subsections 1‑A and 2, an individual may not harvest, possess, ship, transport or sell seaweed without a current:

A. Resident seaweed permit; or

B. Nonresident seaweed permit.

1-A. Supplemental permit. An employee or immediate relation of a seaweed permit holder may harvest, possess or transport seaweed for commercial purposes with a current:

A. Resident supplemental seaweed permit; or

B. Nonresident supplemental seaweed permit.

2. Exceptions. The following are not required to have a permit:

A.

B.

C. An individual who harvests, possesses, ships or transports no more than 50 pounds of seaweed a day for noncommercial purposes;

D. Charitable or municipal organizations that harvest, possess, ship or transport seaweed for noncommercial use by that organization; or

E. Anyone harvesting, possessing, shipping or transporting seaweed that has detached naturally and is dead.

3. Permit fees. The fees for seaweed permits are as follows:

A. For a resident seaweed permit, $8;

B. For a nonresident seaweed permit, $30;

C. For a resident supplemental seaweed permit, $4; and

D. For a nonresident supplemental seaweed permit, $8.

4. Surcharge fees. In addition to the permit fees established in subsection 3, the commissioner shall assess a surcharge on each permit issued under this section as follows, which must be deposited in the Seaweed Management Fund established in section 6806:

A. Fifty dollars for a resident seaweed permit;

B. Two hundred dollars for a nonresident seaweed permit;

C. Twenty-five dollars for a resident supplemental seaweed permit; and

D. Fifty dollars for a nonresident supplemental seaweed permit.

5. Violation. An individual who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.