Section 10-1301 - Aquaculture defined; legislative intent; duties of State departments, etc.
§ 10-1301. Aquaculture defined; legislative intent; duties of State departments, etc.
(a) "Aquaculture" defined.-
(1) The General Assembly defines aquaculture as an agricultural activity.
(2) "Aquaculture" includes the commercial rearing of finfish, shellfish, and aquatic plants for sale, trade, barter, or shipment.
(b) Intent.- It is the intent of the General Assembly to create:
(1) An Aquaculture Review Board and an Aquaculture Coordinating Council to promote the development of an aquaculture industry in this State; and
(2) An Aquaculture Coordinator to assist persons in obtaining the permits and licenses necessary to conduct aquaculture in the State.
(c) Duty of Department of Agriculture.- The Maryland Department of Agriculture is the lead agency for:
(1) Promoting, coordinating, and marketing aquaculture and aquaculture products; and
(2) Coordinating and streamlining the process of applying for a State aquaculture permit.
(d) Duty of Department of Natural Resources.- The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for enforcement of laws, regulations, and rules.
(e) Duty of University of Maryland.- The University of Maryland is the lead agency for research in aquaculture production and shall be responsible for development of education and extension programs which promote aquaculture as an industry.
[1988, ch. 534, § 1; 1989, ch. 5, § 1; ch. 785, § 1; 2005, ch. 405, § 1.]