NC H1049

Restores the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture to review fisheries management, marine resources, and aquaculture issues during legislative recesses.

Reforms Marine Fisheries Commission appointments by requiring the seafood dealer/processor position and sports fishing industry position to derive at least 50% of annual income from qualifying activities, replacing vague general knowledge requirements.

Establishes a moratorium on Marine Fisheries Commission rule-making authority (with exceptions for overfishing prevention, federal compliance, and certain enumerated duties) pending a legislative study of the Commission's structure and functioning.

Appropriates $100,000 to the General Assembly and $100,000 to the Department of Environmental Quality for fiscal year 2018-2019 to support implementation and the Division of Marine Fisheries' compliance directives.

Moratorium and study requirements expire on the earlier of the thirty-first legislative day following the Commission's report or the 2021 Regular Session.