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.