This bill establishes a new legal framework for non-resident vessel operators who wish to participate in tuna tournaments in New Hampshire. It introduces a special license, referred to as the "Nonresident Special Tuna License," which must be obtained by individuals who do not qualify as residents under existing law (RSA 207:1) before they can take, possess, land, or transport tuna species for sale during these tournaments. The license is valid for 10 days from the tournament's start date and is limited to one license per tournament per calendar year. Additionally, the bill mandates that a $15 surcharge be added to each license issued, which will be allocated to the derelict fishing gear and coastal cleanup fund.
The bill also outlines the responsibilities of licensees, including compliance with rules set by the executive director of the Fish and Game Department and the requirement to provide information regarding their fishing activities. Violations of the provisions of this section can result in penalties, including confiscation of the catch. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and is expected to have a fiscal impact of less than $10,000 annually from 2026 to 2029.