Maine § 12161. - Taking of certain nonmarine invertebrates from the wild for commercial purposes

§ 12161.. Taking of certain nonmarine invertebrates from the wild for commercial purposes

1.  Prohibition; penalties.  Except as provided in this section, a person may not take and possess certain nonmarine invertebrates, specifically freshwater mussels, butterflies, moths, dragonflies or beetles, from the wild for export, sale or commercial purposes.

A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.   [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).]

B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.   [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).]

2.  Commercial nonmarine invertebrate permit.  Persons harvesting freshwater mussels, butterflies, moths, dragonflies or beetles for export, sale or commercial purposes are required to obtain a permit from the commissioner. The fee for a permit issued under this subsection is $27. The permit expires one year from the date of issuance.

3.  Rules.  The commissioner may by rule:

A. Require reporting of commercial harvest activities, including at a minimum dates, locations and numbers collected by species;   [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).]

B. Establish daily and season possession limits; and   [PL 2017, c. 205, §25 (AMD).]

C. [PL 2017, c. 205, §26 (RP).]

D. Require humane harvest, confinement and disposal methods.   [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).]

Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.