reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
12 ME Rev Stat § 6602 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 1: LICENSES|12 §6602. Surf clam boat license

 §6602. Surf clam boat license 1.  License required.  A person may not use a boat for dragging for the harvesting of surf clams unless that boat carries a current surf clam boat license issued by the commissioner.   [PL 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW).] 2.  Licensed activity.  A surf clam boat license issued under this section may be used for harvesting surf clams. The holder of a surf clam boat license may also possess or transport surf clams within state limits or sell surf clams the holder has taken to a wholesale seafood license holder certified under section 6856 or an enhanced retail certificate holder under section 6852, subsection 2-A. The license also authorizes the captain and crew members aboard the licensed boat when engaged in harvesting surf clams to undertake these activities.   [PL 2011, c. 598, §27 (AMD).] 3.  Eligibility.  A surf clam boat license may be issued only to an individual who is a resident of this State.   [PL 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW).] 4.  Exception.  In any one day, a person may take or possess not more than 3 bushels of surf clams for personal use without a surf clam boat license.   [PL 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW).] 5.  Fee.  The fee for a surf clam boat license is $265.   [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. G, §15 (AMD).] 6.  Violation.  A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.   [PL 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. G, §15 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 217, §2 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 598, §27 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6622 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 2: LIMITS ON FISHING|12 §6622. Quahogs; minimum size (REPEALED)

 §6622. Quahogs; minimum size (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 1981, c. 462, §2 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6623 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 2: LIMITS ON FISHING|12 §6623. Method of taking soft shell clams

 §6623. Method of taking soft shell clams 1.  Hand implement only.  It shall be unlawful to fish for or take soft shell clams, except by implements operated solely by hand, except as provided in this section.   [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] 1-A.  Artificial breathing device prohibited.  A person may not fish for or take soft shell clams while using an artificial breathing device that allows that person to breathe underwater. This subsection does not apply to the holder of a lease issued under section 6072, 6072-A or 6072-B when fishing for or taking soft shell clams cultivated on the leased area.   [PL 1999, c. 112, §1 (NEW).] 2.  Special license for dredging.  The commissioner may issue a special license, acting in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 6074, subsections 1 to 6, to operate a hydraulic or mechanical soft-shell clam dredge for educational or scientific purposes, for use on an aquaculture lease site or for municipal transplanting projects. The dredge shall not be used for commercial soft-shell clam harvesting except as authorized in this subsection. The dredge design and proposed operation shall be approved by the commissioner. The operation of the dredge shall not interfere with commercial digging and shall not be used for taking marine worms, lobsters or other crustaceans.   [PL 1985, c. 255 (RPR).] 3.  Department excepted.  This section shall not apply to equipment operated by the department for transplanting under a conservation program or conducting research on shellfish.   [PL 1979, c. 622, §4 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 1977, c. 713, §7 (AMD). PL 1979, c. 622, §§3,4 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 255 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 112, §1 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6624 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 2: LIMITS ON FISHING|12 §6624. Quahog tax (REPEALED)

 §6624. Quahog tax (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 1981, c. 462, §3 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6625 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 2: LIMITS ON FISHING|12 §6625. Identification and tagging of shellfish

 §6625. Identification and tagging of shellfish 1.  Tagging required.  The holder of a license issued under section 6601, 6731, 6732, 6745, 6746 or 6810‑B shall identify shellstock the license holder has taken by means of a harvester's tag. The tag must be consistent with the format required by the department under rules adopted to meet this requirement. Each container of shellstock must be tagged in accordance with department rules. The tag must accompany the harvested product while the product is in wholesale or retail commerce within the State.   [PL 2019, c. 334, §1 (AMD).] 2.  Exception.   [PL 2005, c. 434, §5 (RP).] 3.  Rules.  The commissioner may adopt or amend rules that establish requirements for shellfish harvesters' tags.   [PL 1993, c. 497, §3 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1993, c. 497, §3 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 434, §5 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 334, §1 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6626 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 2: LIMITS ON FISHING|12 §6626. Scallop conservation areas

 §6626. Scallop conservation areas Notwithstanding section 6174, subsection 3, a person who violates a rule adopted pursuant to section 6171 regarding a scallop conservation area commits a civil violation for which the penalties under this section apply.   [PL 2009, c. 72, §2 (NEW).]1.  First offense.  For the first offense, a fine of $1,000 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized.   [PL 2009, c. 72, §2 (NEW).] 2.  Second or subsequent offense.  For a 2nd or subsequent offense, a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 is imposed, all scallops on board may be seized and the commissioner shall suspend the license authorizing the activity in which the person was engaged at the time of violation. The court may not suspend a fine imposed under this paragraph. The license suspension must be for one year from the date of adjudication.   [PL 2009, c. 72, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2009, c. 72, §2 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6651 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 3: SHELLFISH FUND|12 §6651. Shellfish Fund

 §6651. Shellfish Fund 1.  Surcharge fees to be paid into fund.  In addition to the applicable license fees for shellfish licenses, mussel hand-raking and boat licenses, shellfish transportation licenses and wholesale seafood licenses, the commissioner shall assess the following surcharge fees, which must be deposited into the Shellfish Fund:   A. Seventy-four dollars and seventy-five cents for a commercial shellfish license;   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).]B. One hundred forty-nine dollars and fifty cents for a mussel boat license;   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).]C. Seventy-four dollars and seventy-five cents for a mussel hand-raking license;   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).]D. Two hundred ninety-nine dollars for a shellfish transportation license;   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).]E. Ninety-seven dollars and fifty cents for a shellfish transportation supplemental license;   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).]F. Two hundred fifty dollars and twenty-five cents for a wholesale seafood license;   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).]G. Forty-eight dollars and seventy-five cents for a wholesale seafood supplemental license; and   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).]H. Twenty-eight dollars for an enhanced retail certificate.   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).]The Shellfish Fund may receive any other money, including any other gift, grant or other source of revenue.   [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD).] 1-A.  Additional fees to be paid into fund.  Any fees collected pursuant to section 6072, subsection 13, paragraph I must be deposited into the Shellfish Fund.   [PL 2021, c. 52, §19 (NEW).] 2.  Uses of fund.  The commissioner may expend the money in the Shellfish Fund for management, enforcement, restoration, development and conservation of shellfish and mussels in the intertidal zone or coastal waters and for the costs associated with the Shellfish Advisory Council established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 57‑G.   [PL 2007, c. 606, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] 3.  Nonlapsing fund.  The Shellfish Fund shall not lapse.   [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 1983, c. 838, §1 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 328, §2 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 826, §2 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 20, §WW12 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 606, Pt. A, §3 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 692, §3 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. G, §16 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 598, §§28, 29 (AMD). PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §16 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 52, §19 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6672 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 4: MUNICIPAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS|12 §6672. Green crab fencing program (REPEALED)

 §6672. Green crab fencing program (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 598, §30 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6674 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 4: MUNICIPAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS|12 §6674. Interference with municipal shellfish aquaculture permit

 §6674. Interference with municipal shellfish aquaculture permit 1.  Prohibition.  A person may not knowingly interfere with the ability of a person who holds a municipal shellfish aquaculture permit to carry out the privileges granted to the permittee under that permit. Except for the permittee or the permittee's designee, a person may not take, disturb or molest any shellfish in the intertidal zone in the area that is included in a municipal shellfish aquaculture permit.   [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).] 2.  Penalty.  A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 may be adjudged.   [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).] 3.  Restitution.  In addition to the penalty under subsection 2, if a person violates this section by interfering with the ability of a person who holds a municipal shellfish aquaculture permit to carry out the privileges granted to that permittee under that permit, the court shall:   A. Order that person to pay to the holder of the municipal shellfish aquaculture permit an amount equal to twice the replacement value of any damaged equipment on the permit site; and   [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).]B. Direct that person to provide proof of payment of restitution under paragraph A to the commissioner.   [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).][PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 660, §A22 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 229, §18 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (RPR).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6675 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 4: MUNICIPAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS|12 §6675. Shellfish reseeding program

 §6675. Shellfish reseeding program The department shall carry out a program of shellfish reseeding. The program shall include such activities as the transplanting of soft shell clams from areas of large concentrations to potentially productive areas, and relaying shellfish otherwise inhibited from attaining optimum market size. The program may be carried out in cooperation with municipal and joint shellfish conservation programs. The department may close areas under section 6171 to protect reseeded flats, including areas subject to municipal shellfish conservation ordinances.   [PL 1983, c. 559, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 559, §2 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6676 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 4: MUNICIPAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS|12 §6676. Summary of municipal ordinances

 §6676. Summary of municipal ordinances The department shall prepare a summary description of all municipal shellfish ordinances, which must include, but not be limited to, a listing for each municipality of the license application period, fee structure and number of licenses available to residents and nonresidents. The department shall update the summary and make it available to the public in a manner that the commissioner considers to be effective in reaching the persons affected.   [PL 2005, c. 434, §6 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 48, §2 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 434, §6 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6691 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 1: SHELLFISH|Article 6: WATER QUALITY|12 §6691. Water quality samplers

 §6691. Water quality samplers A commercial shellfish license holder who complies with the shellfish sanitation program's quality assurance and quality control training and certification requirements as administered by the department may serve as a volunteer water quality sampler for the department.   [PL 2001, c. 587, §1 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2001, c. 587, §1 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6701 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 2: SCALLOPS|Article 1: LICENSES|12 §6701. Scallop license

 §6701. Scallop license 1.  License required.  A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current hand fishing scallop license or other license issued under this Part authorizing the activities. A person acting as tender to an individual possessing a current individual hand fishing scallop license issued under subsection 5, paragraph A shall possess a scallop or sea urchin tender license issued under section 6535.   [PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).] 2.  Licensed activity.  The holder of a hand fishing scallop license may take scallops by hand or possess, ship, transport or sell shucked scallops the holder has taken. A person may not act as a tender under subsection 5, paragraph B unless that person has met the tender safety requirements adopted by rule pursuant to section 6533.   [PL 2015, c. 201, §3 (AMD).] 3.  Eligibility.  A hand fishing scallop license may be issued only to an individual who is a resident.   [PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).] 4.  Exception.  A person may act as a tender to an individual possessing a current hand fishing scallop license with tender issued under subsection 5, paragraph B without being licensed under this Part if that person has met the tender safety requirements adopted by rule pursuant to section 6533.   [PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).] 5.  Fees.  Fees for hand fishing scallop licenses are:   A. For an individual hand fishing scallop license, $143; and   [PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).]B. For a hand fishing scallop license with tender, $193.   [PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).][PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).] 6.  Violation.  A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which the following penalties apply:   A. For the first offense, a mandatory fine of $500 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized;   [PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).]B. For the 2nd offense, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized; and   [PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).]C. For the 3rd and subsequent offenses, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized. This penalty is imposed in addition to the penalty imposed under section 6728‑B.   [PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).][PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 1979, c. 127, §86 (AMD). PL 1981, c. 480, §§5,15,16 (AMD). PL 1983, c. 663, §1 (AMD). PL 1983, c. 824, §K3 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 165 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 243 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 379, §3 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 662, §1 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 528, §RRR (AFF). PL 1991, c. 528, §T5 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 591, §T5 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 421, §B40 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 421, §C1 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 20, §WW13 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 248, §7 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 557, §1 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. B, §1 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §3 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. G, §17 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 396, §§5-7 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 561, §22 (RPR). PL 2015, c. 201, §3 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6704 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 2: SCALLOPS|Article 1: LICENSES|12 §6704. Handfishing sea urchin license (REPEALED)

 §6704. Handfishing sea urchin license (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1991, c. 528, §RRR (AFF). PL 1991, c. 528, §T8 (NEW). PL 1991, c. 591, §T8 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 416, §1 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6705 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 2: SCALLOPS|Article 1: LICENSES|12 §6705. Sea urchin boat license (REPEALED)

 §6705. Sea urchin boat license (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1991, c. 528, §RRR (AFF). PL 1991, c. 528, §T8 (NEW). PL 1991, c. 591, §T8 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 416, §1 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6706 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 2: SCALLOPS|Article 1: LICENSES|12 §6706. Limited entry

 §6706. Limited entry 1.  License eligibility in 2009.  The commissioner may not issue a 2009 hand fishing scallop license or a 2009 scallop dragging license to a person unless that person possessed a scallop license issued pursuant to section 6701 or a scallop boat license issued pursuant to section 6702 in either:   A. The 2005, 2006 or 2007 license year; or   [PL 2011, c. 266, Pt. A, §19 (AMD).]B. The 2008 license year prior to May 1, 2008.   [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).][PL 2011, c. 266, Pt. A, §19 (AMD).] 2.  License eligibility in subsequent years.  Except as provided in subsection 3, the commissioner may not issue a hand fishing scallop license or a scallop dragging license to any person in any year subsequent to 2009 unless that person possessed that license in the previous calendar year or is eligible to obtain a license in accordance with the limited entry system established under subsection 3.   [PL 2011, c. 237, §1 (AMD).] 3.  Scallop license limited entry system.  Notwithstanding subsection 2, the commissioner shall establish by rule a limited entry system under which a person who did not hold a hand fishing scallop license or a scallop dragging license in the previous calendar year may become eligible to obtain that license. The rules for a limited entry system must include provisions for the method and administration of the system. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.   [PL 2019, c. 107, §2 (AMD).] 4.  Repeal.   [PL 2011, c. 237, §3 (RP).] 5.  Fee.  If the scallop license limited entry system established under subsection 3 is conducted through a lottery, the commissioner may charge a nonrefundable lottery application fee not to exceed $50. An application fee collected under this subsection must be deposited in the Scallop Research Fund established in section 6729-A.   [PL 2021, c. 27, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. A, §4 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 237, §§1-3 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 266, Pt. A, §19 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 107, §2 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 27, §1 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6721 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 2: SCALLOPS|Article 2: LIMITS ON FISHING|12 §6721. Minimum size (REPEALED)

 §6721. Minimum size (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 208 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6721-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 623: SHELLFISH, SCALLOPS, WORMS AND MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES|Subchapter 2: SCALLOPS|Article 2: LIMITS ON FISHING|12 §6721-A. Shell size minimum (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 12, SECTION 6728-A)

 §6721-A. Shell size minimum (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 12, SECTION 6728-A)1.  Minimum shell size.  Except as provided in subsection 4, this subsection governs the shell size limits of scallops.   A. From December 1, 2003 to November 30, 2004, a person may not possess, ship, transport, buy or sell scallops that are less than 3 3/4 inches in the longest diameter.   [PL 2003, c. 520, §8 (RAL).]B. On December 1, 2004 and thereafter, a person may not possess, ship, transport, buy or sell scallops that are less than 4 inches in the longest diameter.   [PL 2003, c. 520, §8 (RAL).][PL 2003, c. 520, §8 (RAL).] 2.  Prima facie evidence.  It is prima facie evidence of possession of illegal scallops if a vessel contains scallops less than the minimum shell size set by this section or the minimum shell size set by rules adopted pursuant to this section while a person licensed under this subchapter or crew member of a person licensed under this subchapter is shucking scallops.   [PL 2009, c. 561, §23 (AMD).] 3.  Release of undersize scallops.  Those scallops that are less than the minimum shell size established by this section or by rules adopted pursuant to this section must be immediately liberated into the waters from which they were taken.   [PL 2003, c. 520, §8 (RAL).] 4.  Rules.  After December 1, 2004, the commissioner may adopt rules to increase the minimum shell size set by this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.   [PL 2003, c. 520, §8 (RAL).] 5.  Violation.  Notwithstanding section 6174, subsection 3, a person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which the following penalties apply:   A. For the first offense, a mandatory fine of $500 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized;   [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §4 (RPR).]B. For the 2nd offense, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized; and   [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §4 (RPR).]C. For the 3rd and subsequent offenses, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized. This penalty is imposed in addition to the penalty imposed under section 6728-B.   [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §4 (RPR).][PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §4 (RPR).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2003, c. 520, §8 (RAL). PL 2007, c. 557, §4 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. A, §§5, 6 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. B, §4 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §§4, 5 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 561, §23 (AMD).