147th
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FISCAL
NOTE
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sponsor: Representative Schwartzkopf DESCRIPTION: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 AND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE
RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
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ASSUMPTIONS:
1.
Effective
upon the signature of the Governor.
2.
This
Act authorizes the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to
direct and control the shellfish aquaculture activities within the Inland
Bays. The Department shall promulgate
regulations on issuing and administering leases, set criteria for the approval
of lease sites and applications for leasing, determine what species may be
cultured and where, prescribe limits on the type and nature of gear that may be
used on leased sites, define what would constitute abandonment of leased sites,
and establish criteria for importation of shellfish to be used for aquaculture
purposes in order to protect wild shellfish.
3.
The
Department estimates it will require approximately $75,000 in contractual
personnel in the first year of program operation growing to $141,500 in the
out-years. These personnel shall administer the program to include, but not be
limited to, promulgate regulations; habitat restoration of oyster and clam
populations by planting shell; the regulation, authorization and enforcement of
shellfish aquaculture leases, the required marking and inspection of lease
sites, and prevention and control of shellfish borne diseases.
4.
This
Act also provides for a $100.00/acre shellfish lease for Delaware residents and
a $1,000.00/acre shellfish lease for non-residents. The Department estimates lease revenue of
$5,000 in Fiscal Year 2015 and $7,500 in Fiscal Year 2016.
Cost:
Fiscal Year 2014 $75,000
Fiscal Year 2015 $141,500 ($136,500 GF, $5,000 ASF)
Fiscal Year 2016 $141,500 ($134,000 GF, $7,500 ASF)
Office of
Controller General
(Amounts are shown in whole dollars)
June 10,
2013
JRG:
4421470007