The Maine Groundfish Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established as a dedicated, nonlapsing fund within the department. Unexpended balances in the fund at the end of the fiscal year may not lapse and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year and used for the purposes of this section.
The fund may receive money from any source for the purposes of this section. Revenues may be used for support of the groundfish industry including research, development and economic assistance to maintain access, capacity and infrastructure along the entire coast. The commissioner shall select activities and projects that will be most beneficial to the commercial groundfish industry of the State.