NC S573

Creates a shellfish and aquaculture planning entity within the NC Economic Development Partnership with a 17-member governing board appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

Reduces shellfish cultivation lease filing fees from $100 to $50, reduces initial annual rental from $1.00 to $0.50 per acre (then $5.00 per acre), and extends initial lease terms from 5 years to 10 years effective July 1, 2015.

Allows shellfish lease holders to place devices or equipment up to 18 inches above the bottom without requiring a separate water column lease; reduces water column amendment application and annual rental fees from $100 to $50 per acre.

Directs Division of Marine Fisheries to develop a plan by May 1, 2016, to open portions of Core Sound currently under shellfish leasing moratorium and to create simplified permitting for oyster restoration projects.

Expands the Senator Jean Preston Marine Oyster Sanctuary Program to include provisions for oyster seed production, cultch planting expansion, fee waivers for new leases, public-private partnerships, and monitoring; exempts employees of shellfish leaseholders from needing individual fishing licenses when working leased areas.