WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor Ch. 646

WHEREAS, A delay in the application process for a tidal fish
license would allow the Department of Natural Resources to manage
fish stocks and catch limits better than it can now because a
mandatory delay in the application process could clearly indicate
the number of possible fishermen in future years; and

WHEREAS, A delay in the application process would slow down
the influx of fishermen during good fishing seasons and, thus,
prevent over-fishing during good seasons, which reduces fish
stocks drastically; and

WHEREAS, A delay in the application process would instill
public confidence that the harvest of tidal fish is well managed
and healthful; and

WHEREAS, A delay in the application process would allow
people to learn more about conservation measures for fish stocks
and to understand the financial requirements of the fishery
before the person invests money in a boat and the required
fishing gear; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Natural Resources

4-703.

(A)  (1) THIS SECTION APPLIES TO ANY PERSON WHO AFTER JULY
1, SEPTEMBER 1, 1988 APPLIES FOR A NEW TIDAL FISH LICENSE UNDER §
4-701 OF THIS SUBTITLE TO CATCH CRABS WITH MORE THAN 50 CRAB
POTS, FINFISH, OYSTERS, OR CLAMS.

(2) THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY PERSON WHO:

(I)  APPLIES TO RENEW A VALID TIDAL FISH
LICENSE, INCLUDING A VALID LICENSE ON INACTIVE STATUS THAT WAS
VALID ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1988;

(II)  QUALIFIES UNDER § 4-705 OF THIS SUBTITLE
TO RENEW A TIDAL FISH LICENSE WITHIN 1 YEAR OF COMPLETION OF
ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE; OR

(III)  BEFORE APPLYING FOR A NEW TIDAL FISH
LICENSE, HAS HELD A COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSE IN ANOTHER STATE
FOR 24 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF
APPLICATION AND MEETS OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF A
MARYLAND LICENSE.

(B)  AFTER JULY 1, SEPTEMBER 1, 1988, THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT
ISSUE A NEW TIDAL FISH LICENSE TO AN APPLICANT TO CATCH CRABS

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