(a) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) It is the policy of the State to conserve species of wildlife for human enjoyment, for scientific purposes, and to insure their perpetuation as viable components of their ecosystems;
(2) Species of wildlife and plants normally occurring within the State which may be found to be threatened or endangered within the State should be accorded the protection necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers; and
(3) The State should assist in the protection of species of wildlife and plants which are determined to be “threatened” or “endangered” elsewhere pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 87 Stat. 884, by prohibiting the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, offer for sale, or shipment within the State of endangered species and by carefully regulating these activities with regard to the threatened species.
(b) Exceptions to the prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section, for the purpose of enhancing the conservation of these species, may be permitted as set forth in this subtitle.