The Sea Urchin Research Fund, referred to in this article 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. [PL 1993, c. 740, §3 (NEW).] 1. Uses of fund. The commissioner shall use the fund for research directly related to sea urchin fishery management information needs and for reporting to licensed sea urchin harvesters, boat tenders, processors and buyers on the results of research and the use of fund revenues. The purpose of that research must be to determine, with the highest reliability possible given available resources, the greatest level of effort that may be applied to the sea urchin fishery without harming the long-term economic and biological sustainability of the sea urchin fishery. The commissioner shall consult with the Sea Urchin Zone Council under section 6749-X before deciding upon research projects and awarding grants from the fund. The fund may be used to provide for safety education and training requirements for the sea urchin fishery and to administer management measures for the fishery. The commissioner shall consult with the Sea Urchin Zone Council on the expenditure of funds for these purposes. The fund may also be used to cover the costs associated with determining eligibility for licenses under this subchapter, for law enforcement and support for the Sea Urchin Zone Council, including reimbursement for travel expenses. Up to 30% of allotted revenues may be used for law enforcement purposes. [PL 2003, c. 200, §4 (AMD).] 2. Sources of revenue. The fund is capitalized by surcharges assessed under section 6749-Q. In addition to those revenues, the commissioner may accept and deposit in the fund money from any other source, public or private. All money in the fund must be used for the purposes set forth in this section. [PL 1993, c. 740, §3 (NEW).] 3. Reports. The commissioner shall submit an interim and a final report on expenditures from the fund and research findings to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resource matters. An interim report must be submitted by July 1, 1996. A 2nd interim report must be submitted by January 1, 1998. A final report must be submitted by January 1, 1999. [PL 1997, c. 177, §3 (AMD).]
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