There is created within the Department of Agriculture an Aquaculture Permit Assistance Office. A permit facilitator must be designated by the Commissioner of Agriculture to carry out the functions of the Aquaculture Permit Assistance Office. The permit facilitator shall provide a potential aquaculturist with such information, services, and assistance as may be necessary including, but not limited to:
(1) assistance in obtaining all permits from the various permitting agencies required to operate an aquaculture operation;
(2) technical assistance from the various state and private agencies and institutions involved in aquaculture research;
(3) assistance throughout the entire permit process and information concerning changes to a state or federal law or regulation which may affect the outcome of a permit application or change the permitting process;
(4) application forms.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 587, Section 1, eff June 3, 1988.
Editor's Note
The Preamble of 1988 Act No. 587, provides as follows:
"Whereas, aquaculture is an important form of both fisheries and agriculture. The Department of Agriculture will be responsible for coordination of promotion and marketing of aquaculture development in the State and for facilitating acquisition of aquaculture permits. The Wildlife and Marine Resources Department will be responsible for aquacultural law enforcement and coordination of research and development. Both agencies shall coordinate their respective efforts with all other agencies of state government."