A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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.