North Carolina § 115D-5 - 2. Commercial fishing and aquaculture classes.

§ 115D-5. 2. Commercial fishing and aquaculture classes.

The General Assembly urges all community colleges serving the coastal area of the State to offer classes on commercial fishing and aquaculture. The North Carolina Community Colleges System Office shall provide technical assistance to these colleges on offering such classes. 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. History (2015-63, ss. 1, 2(a), (b).) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2015-65, ss. 1, 2(a) and (b) has been codified as this section at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes. Coastal Community Colleges Urged to Offer Courses on Commercial Fishing and Aquaculture. - Session Laws 2015-63, preamble, provides: "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:"