An Act To Amend the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry Regarding Unauthorized Landing or Possession of Striped Bass
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 0319
Committee: Marine Resources
Sponsors: TRAHAN, TILTON, RAYE, RECTOR, SCHNEIDER, SNOWE-MELLO, BICKFORD, PRESCOTT
Amends: 12 MRSA §6312

Legislative Document 
No. 319 
S.P. 99 
In Senate, February 8, 2011 
An Act To Amend the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry 
Regarding Unauthorized Landing or Possession of Striped Bass 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Marine Resources suggested and ordered printed. 
JOSEPH G. CARLETON, JR. 
Secretary of the Senate 
Presented by Senator TRAHAN of Lincoln. 
Cosponsored by Representative TILTON of Harrington and 
Senators: President RAYE of Washington, RECTOR of Knox, SCHNEIDER of Penobscot, 
SNOWE-MELLO of Androscoggin, Representatives: BICKFORD of Auburn, MacDONALD 
of Boothbay, McKANE of Newcastle, PRESCOTT of Topsham. 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, saltwater recreational fishing is an important activity for increasing 
tourism and attracting visitors to the State; and 
Whereas, the saltwater recreational fishing registry laws need to be amended to 
allow for incidental taking of striped bass by anglers who do not have a striped bass 
endorsement; and 
Whereas, both the fishing season and the tourism season commence early in the 
year and it is necessary to have the saltwater recreational fishing registry laws changed to 
strengthen tourism; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  12 MRSA §6312, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 559, §2 and affected 
by §4, is amended to read: 
4.  Striped bass endorsement.  A person required to register under subsection 3 may 
not engage in saltwater recreational fishing for striped bass or land or possess striped bass 
taken from salt water without a striped bass endorsement issued by the commissioner or a 
clerk or agent appointed by the commissioner pursuant to subsection 6.  An incidental 
catch or bycatch of striped bass is not prima facie evidence of a violation of this 
subsection.  A striped bass endorsement is valid for one year and the fees are: 
A.  Five dollars for a resident; 
B.  Fifteen dollars for a nonresident; and 
C.  Ten dollars for a resident lifetime striped bass endorsement for an applicant who 
is 70 years of age or older.  A resident lifetime striped bass endorsement is valid for 
one year and may be renewed free of charge. 
Revenues collected pursuant to this subsection must be deposited in the Marine 
Recreation Fishing Conservation and Management Fund established under section 6032. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
Currently, a saltwater angler may not land or possess striped bass without a striped 
bass endorsement under the saltwater recreational fishing registry laws or a valid 
freshwater fishing license.  This bill provides that the incidental landing or possession of 
striped bass is not prima facie evidence of a violation.