Ch. 534                                          LAWS OF MARYLAND

WHEREAS, In September 1980, the National Aquaculture Act was
signed, stating that the national policy is "to encourage the
development of aquaculture in the United States"; and

WHEREAS, Marylanders, alone, consume in excess of 63 million
pounds of seaford products annually, an increase of 40% in the
past two decades; and

WHEREAS, Maryland is ideally situated, both geographically
and environmentally, for development of a viable aquaculture
industry; and

WHEREAS, Despite having the resources to become a seafood
exporter, Maryland is currently a net importer of fish and
seafood; and

WHEREAS, Maryland has been steadily losing its competitive
edge in the seafood industry against other states such as New
York, Virginia, Louisiana, and Texas; and

WHEREAS, Aquaculture represents a new and thriving economic
opportunity for Maryland agricultural and seafood industry; now,
therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Agriculture

2-106.

(a) The following positions and units are included within
the Department:

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(1) The Tobacco Authority of the State of Maryland;

(2) The Maryland Agricultural Fair Board;

(3) The Maryland State Apple Commission;

(4) The Chief of Weights and Measures;

(5) The State Chemist;

(6) The State Veterinarian;

(7) The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners;

(8) The Wholesome Meat Advisory. Council of: Maryland;

(9) The State Soil Conservation Committee;