23:2B-10. Aquaculture task force; commercial fisheries development task force; members; duties; report

For a period of 2 years from the effective date of this act the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority and the Director of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife shall serve on an Aquaculture Task Force to be chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and a Commercial Fisheries Development Task Force to be chaired by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. The task forces shall be assigned to the Governor's office and shall promote the development of aquaculture, of the commercial fisheries industry, and of the commercial aspects of fish products. The task forces shall, to the extent practicable, encourage the growth and expansion of piers and docks, processing and storage facilities, fishing equipment and vessels and marketing facilities and the development of aquaculture, personnel training programs, research, or any other procedures designed to stimulate, expand and promote the commercial fisheries industry and the commercial aspects of recreational fishing and the development of processing and marketing facilities for fish and fish products. The task forces shall define the roles of the various concerned State agencies in carrying out a permanent program to promote the development of an aquaculture program and of a commercial fisheries industry. The task forces shall report to the Governor and Legislature on their findings and conclusions, and shall recommend whatever legislative changes are necessary for a permanent program prior to the termination of the 2-year period.

L.1979, c. 199, s. 10, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.