Section 79-22-25 - Management plan to be developed; Aquatic Ventures CenterThe department may, as funds are made available by the Legislature, develop an Aquatic Ventures Center.
The center may develop but shall not be limited to the following activities:
(a) Plan and conduct a program promoting cultured aquatic products and associated technologies, including demonstration, training and technical assistance;(b) Disseminate information about the technologies and species suitable for Mississippi and provide informal education relative thereto;(c) Produce and coordinate the production of species of aquatic products that can be introduced into the state's waters, particularly its marine waters, to increase recreational and commercial fishing opportunities;(d) Encourage expanding or new aquaculture activities which add to the economy of the state;(e) Provide an opportunity for all state agencies, universities and colleges and federal agencies that are involved in activities that relate directly or indirectly to aquaculture to participate in the Center's program and to display their products;(f) Maintain a coordinated liaison with other aquacultural enterprises, including federal agencies;(g) Provide opportunity for Mississippi aquaculture associations to participate in the Center's program to advertise their cultured aquatic products.(h) Provide for increased opportunities to market all Mississippi cultured aquatic products.(i) Increase tourism to Mississippi by attracting tourists to visit the Center, to stay in hotels and to utilize restaurants and the services provided by other Mississippi businesses.(j) Inform aquaculturists of the availability of forming aquatic products marketing associations under the state "Co-operative Aquatic Products Marketing Law" and, as needed, aid them in forming such associations.(k) Encourage and authorize the establishment of commercial aquaculture parks where a number of entrepreneur aquaculturists can establish aquaculture ventures. All Mississippi governmental entities, universities and colleges shall provide coordinated support for investors who are citizens of the United States and would like to establish a commercial aquaculture park in Mississippi and who intend to provide for innovative and effective coordinated efforts within the park, as well as among other parks, relative to water resources utilization, production, processing and marketing applicable to cultured aquatic products.The department may solicit and accept financial and professional support from any private or public sources, including the federal government.
Laws, 1988, ch. 481, § 13; Laws, 1993, ch. 457, § 7, eff. 7/1/1993.