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:
S.C. Code § 46-51-10
The Preamble of 1988 Act No. 587, provides as follows:
"Whereas, aquaculture is an important form of both fisheries and agriculture. The Department of Agriculture will be responsible for coordination of promotion and marketing of aquaculture development in the State and for facilitating acquisition of aquaculture permits. The Wildlife and Marine Resources Department will be responsible for aquacultural law enforcement and coordination of research and development. Both agencies shall coordinate their respective efforts with all other agencies of state government."