2. The Legislature finds and declares that aquaculture is the fastest growing segment of agriculture in the nation; and that the development of an economically viable aquaculture industry in New Jersey has the potential to augment existing fisheries, and to produce a significant number of jobs and revenue in a new economic activity.

The Legislature further finds and declares that the Aquaculture Development Task Force, established by Executive Order No. 104 (1993), was directed to prepare an aquaculture development plan; that the “Aquaculture Development Plan” asserts that legislative and regulatory obstacles are major impediments to aquaculture growth and development in New Jersey, and that the lack of specific legislation defining and permitting various aquaculture activities has greatly hindered aquaculture development in New Jersey; and that the plan also presents a compelling case for State investment in aquaculture, discusses specific suggestions to remove barriers impeding the development of the industry and methods for achieving the interdepartmental cooperation necessary to developing aquaculture.

The Legislature therefore determines that in order to foster development of an aquaculture industry in New Jersey it is in the best interest of the citizens of this State that the recommendations contained in the “Aquaculture Development Plan” be adopted by the Legislature.

L.1997,c.236,s.2.