[§141-52]  Aquaculture program.  (a)  There is established within the department an aquaculture program that shall:

     (1)  Monitor actions taken by industry and by federal, state, county, and private agencies in activities relating to aquaculture, and promote and support worthwhile aquaculture activities;

     (2)  Serve as an information clearinghouse for aquaculture activities;

     (3)  Coordinate development projects to investigate and solve biological and technical problems involved in raising selected species with commercial potential;

     (4)  Actively seek federal funding for aquaculture activities;

     (5)  Undertake activities required to develop and expand the aquaculture industry; and

     (6)  Perform other functions and activities that may be assigned by law.

     (b)  The chairperson may employ temporary staff exempt from chapter 76 for the aquaculture program. [L 2022, c 134, pt of §2]