Sec. 78.104.  LICENSING.  (a)  If the commission adopts one or more licenses to be issued under this subchapter, a person may not engage in commercial crab fishing without a license adopted by the commission.  If the commission adopts a commercial crab boat license to be issued under this subchapter, a person may not operate a boat for the purpose of commercial crab fishing without having a boat license as prescribed by the commission.
(b)  A proclamation under this section requiring a license must contain findings by the commission that support the need for the proclamation.  In determining the need for a license requirement, the commission shall consider:
(1)  measures to prevent waste or depletion of crabs while achieving, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield for the fishery;
(2)  the best scientific information available;
(3)  the effect a licensing program would have on the management of crabs throughout the jurisdictional range;
(4)  the need to promote, where practicable, efficiency in using crabs;  and
(5)  the need to enhance enforcement.
(c)  A proclamation issued under this section may:
(1)  establish a license that is issued to a person, to a person and limited to a vessel, or to a person according to the equipment used in commercial crab fishing, including issuing tags for crab traps placed in public waters under Section 66.018;
(2)  establish eligibility requirements for a license, including the use of historical participation in the industry or participation in the industry after August 31, 1995, and before November 14, 1996;
(3)  establish requirements for license transfer;
(4)  prohibit license transfer during certain time periods;  and
(5)  establish a lottery or an auction for issuing licenses.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1256, Sec. 127, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.