GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2015

SESSION LAW 2015-63

SENATE BILL 112

AN ACT urging all coastal community colleges to offer courses on commercial fishing and aquaculture.

Whereas, the commercial fishing industry in North Carolina is a traditional maritime industry that began in the early 18th century; and

Whereas, not only does commercial fishing bring fresh, local seafood to market, it is a way of life and a mainstay of the coastal economy; and

Whereas, Carteret Community College supports commercial fishing by offering classes in aquaculture; and

Whereas, these classes include (i) a 12‑hour program of introductory courses that leads to a certificate; (ii) a full‑time, one‑year program that includes training in more advanced techniques; and (iii) a full‑time, two‑year course of study that leads to an associate's degree; and

Whereas, the associate's degree program includes advanced instruction in issues related to aquaculture, such as water quality, genetics, breeding, nutrition, and diseases; and

Whereas, some of these classes can be transferred to four‑year marine biology programs; and

Whereas, Brunswick Community College offers (i) an aquaculture program, focusing on freshwater aquaculture and (ii) other classes via distance learning through a cooperative arrangement with Carteret Community College; and

Whereas, community college classes in commercial fishing and aquaculture are not uniformly available in the coastal area of the State; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly urges all community colleges serving the coastal area of the State to offer classes on commercial fishing and aquaculture.

SECTION 2.(a)  The North Carolina Community Colleges System Office shall provide technical assistance to these colleges on offering such classes.

SECTION 2.(b)  The North Carolina Community Colleges System Office shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on any fiscal and administrative issues it identifies that limit colleges' ability to offer such courses.

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 3^rd day of June, 2015.

                                                                    s/  Daniel J. Forest

                                                                         President of the Senate

                                                                    s/  Tim Moore

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

                                                                    s/  Pat McCrory

                                                                         Governor

Approved 10:00 a.m. this 11^th day of June, 2015