2013 Maryland Code
NATURAL RESOURCES
§ 4-204 - Department advisory commissions

§4-204.

(a) (1) There is a Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission in the Department.

(2) The Commission is composed of up to 15 members appointed and serving in accordance with the procedures adopted under § 1-102(c) of this article.

(3) (i) Up to 14 commercial watermen and one member of the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission shall comprise the Commission.

(ii) The composition of the Commission shall reflect the geographic regions of the State where the commercial fishing industry is operating.

(4) The term of a member is 2 years.

(5) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on July 1, 2010.

(6) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(7) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(b) (1) There is a Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission in the Department.

(2) The Commission shall provide the Department advice on recreational fisheries matters.

(3) The Commission is composed of 15 members appointed and serving in accordance with the provisions of § 1-102(c) of this article. The experience and backgrounds of Commission members shall represent the diversified angling interests and waters of the State.

(4) (i) The term of a member is 4 years and a member may be reappointed.

(ii) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on July 1, 2010.

(iii) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(iv) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(c) (1) There is an Oyster Advisory Commission in the Department.

(2) The Commission consists of members appointed by the Secretary.

(3) The Commission shall:

(i) Provide the Department with advice on matters related to oysters in the Chesapeake Bay;

(ii) Review the best possible science and recommend changes to the framework and strategies for rebuilding and managing the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay under the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Management Plan;

(iii) Review the latest findings relevant to the Environmental Impact Statement evaluating oyster restoration alternatives for the Chesapeake Bay;

(iv) Review any other scientific, economic, or cultural information relevant to oysters in the Chesapeake Bay; and

(v) By December 31, 2007 and to the extent reasonably appropriate, report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on:

1. Strategies to minimize the impact of oyster disease, including the State repletion program and bar cleaning;

2. The framework and effectiveness of the oyster sanctuary, harvest reserve, and repletion programs, and the overall management of natural oyster bars, after performing a cost-benefit analysis that considers biological, ecological, economic, and cultural issues;

3. Strategies to maximize the ecological benefits of natural oyster bars; and

4. Strategies to improve enforcement of closed oyster areas.