A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the Joint Legislative Commission on seafood and aquaculture to conduct various studies related to marine fisheries.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture may study any of the following:
(1)	The statutory changes recommended by the Marine Fisheries Commission regarding shellfish and their cultivation. In its conduct of this study, the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture may specifically consider recommendations in the August 2001, Hard Clam Fishery Management Plan; recommendations in the August 2001, Oyster Fishery Management Plan; and other recommendations of the Marine Fisheries Commission related to the shellfish leasing program.
(2)	Whether to amend the maximum sustainable yield fisheries management standard.
(3)	The establishment of a violation points system for marine fisheries licenses.
(4)	Whether and to what extent the enforcement authority of marine fisheries inspectors should be expanded.
(5)	Whether to allow marine fisheries inspectors to accept delegation of law enforcement powers from the National Marine Fisheries Service.
SECTION 2.  The Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture may request the assistance of the Division of Marine Fisheries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and any other State agency necessary to conduct any of the studies authorized by this act.
SECTION 3.  The Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture shall report its findings and recommendations, if any, including any legislative proposals, to the 2004 Regular Session of the 2003 General Assembly.
SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.