(a) A person engaging or attempting to engage in a fisheries business or in an activity described in AS 43.75.100 shall first apply for and obtain a license as provided in AS 43.75.020.
(b) The commissioner may assess a civil penalty against a person required to have a license under (a) of this section who fails to obtain the license. The civil penalty for a violation of (a) of this section may not exceed $5,000 the first time a civil penalty is assessed, $10,000 for a second assessment, $15,000 for a third assessment, $20,000 for a fourth assessment, and $25,000 for a fifth or subsequent assessment. The commissioner may not assess a person more than one civil penalty for a violation of (a) of this section in a 30-day period.
(c) Proceedings to suspend or revoke a license under AS 43.75.020(b)(3)(B) are governed by AS 44.62.