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. (1) assistance in obtaining all permits from the various permitting agencies required to operate an aquaculture operation;
2. (2) technical assistance from the various state and private agencies and institutions involved in aquaculture research;
3. (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. (4) application forms.

HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 587, Section 1, eff June 3, 1988.