La. Admin. Code tit. 76 § VII-409
Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024
Section VII-409 - Apprentice Fisherman LicenseA. Definitions Apprentice- a real person who engages in the taking of finfish for a period of two years only with and aboard the vessel of a validly-licensed commercial fisherman who also holds a valid and appropriate permit/license issued by the department and who is engaged in the commercial taking of saltwater finfish by approved methods.
B. Application 1. At the time of application for an apprentice license, the applicant must provide a notarized affidavit, signed by both the applicant and the mentor, providing the Social Security number, name, address and commercial fisherman's license number of his mentor and stating the intent to participate in the apprenticeship program.2. The cost for the apprentice license shall be one half the cost of a commercial fisherman's license.C. Seasons. A person who holds an apprentice license shall be aboard the vessel with and in the presence of his mentor while engaged in the taking of finfish under this "special apprentice license." The apprentice license shall authorize, under the same conditions as the regular license or permit, the commercial taking of saltwater finfish by the apprentice while in the presence of his mentor during the period for which it is valid. The special apprentice license shall be valid from January 1 through December 31. An apprentice license must be purchased prior to January 31 to qualify for one full year as an apprentice for the following license year.D. Eligibility 1. Having held a valid apprentice license for two full years may substitute for the requirement of having held a gill net gear license in two of the years 1993, 1994 and 1995 when applying for a spotted seatrout permit, mullet permit, or rod and reel license. In addition to providing all commercial license application information, the applicant shall be required to show that he derived more than 50 percent of his earned income from the legal capture and sale of seafood species for the two years in which he held the apprentice license. Proof of such income shall be provided by the apprentice using one of the methods listed in the appropriate permit or license section that has been approved by the commission.2. In addition to all other requirements, any applicant applying for a rod and reel license must provide a signed copy of his/her state income tax return for the years in which an apprentice license was held, or a notarized affidavit certifying that he/she was not required to file a state tax return.3. The Socioeconomic Section of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Office of Management and Finance, will review the submitted tax return information and determine if applicant meets the income eligibility requirement.E. General Provision. Any person who previously held a commercial fisherman's license, or who has been convicted of a Class 3 or greater violation, shall not be eligible to purchase an apprentice license.La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § VII-409
Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 24:964 (May 1998).AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 56:303.8.