A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY TO ASSESS THE CURRENT STATUS OF RIVER HERRING POPULATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL RIVERS AND IDENTIFY FURTHER RESEARCH NEEDS.
Whereas, the North Carolina General Assembly recognizes the economic, social, and ecological importance of river herring stocks to the citizens of North Carolina; and
Whereas, North Carolina State University is uniquely qualified to provide an assessment of the current status of river herring stocks in North Carolina and identify research needs necessary to reestablish these important fisheries; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for the 2007‑2008 fiscal year to be allocated to North Carolina State University to prepare an assessment of the current status of coastal river herring stocks and identify data deficiencies and research needs necessary to facilitate the recovery of this fishery. This assessment shall include a review of historical information relative to the fishery, consultation with the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Wildlife Resources Commission concerning present research and survey work being conducted on river herring, and analysis of biological and ecological options designed to enhance river herring stocks for the future. The report of findings from this study shall be made to the General Assembly on May 1, 2008.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.