MARVIN MANDEL, Governor                               105

follows:

Article — Natural Resources
4-1039.

(a)   The Department may open or close any area in
which the catching of soft—shell clams by hydraulic clam
dredge is not prohibited under the provisions of this
subtitle [[when]] IF: (1) in its opinion other natural
resources will not be significantly damaged[[,]]; (2) the
area to be opened is clearly defined and plainly
marked[[,]]; and (3) [at least one patrol vessel of the
Department is stationed within the area at all times when
dredging is permitted] THE AREA IS PATROLLED BY NATURAL
RESOURCES POLICE VESSELS DURING DREDGING [[OPERAIONS]]
OPERATIONS.

(b)    In any area where hydraulic clam dredging is
prohibited under the provisions of this subtitle the
Department may open [no more than one area at any time,
and any opened area may not exceed 200 acres in size.
However, in the waters of St. Mary's County the
Department may open more than one area if the total
acreage remaining open does not exceed 200 acres and the
Department maintains continuous surveillance when
dredging is permitted] SELECTED AREAS IF THE AREAS OPENED
ARE PATROLLED BY NATURAL RESOURCES POLICE VESSELS DURING
DREDGING OPERATIONS.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1976.

Approved April 1, 1976.

CHAPTER 74

(House Bill 563)

AN ACT concerning

Oyster Buyers — Licenses

FOR the purpose of eliminating the requirement that the
license tag issued for a boat, vessel, or vehicle of
a licensed oyster buyer be made of metal.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article — Natural Resources
Section 4-1016(b)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1974 Volume and 1975 Supplement)