The commercial production of aquatic plants and animals propagated and raised by a registered aquaculturist pursuant to § 15101 of the Fish and Game Code in the state is a growing industry and provides a healthful and nutritious food product, and, as a commercial operation, utilizes management, land, water, and feed as do other agricultural enterprises. Therefore, the commercial production of that aquatic life shall be considered a branch of the agricultural industry of the state for the purpose of any law that provides for the benefit or protection of the agricultural industry of the state except those laws relating to plant quarantine or pest control.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 810, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 1996.)