NC H524

Creates a Marine Aquaculture Propagation and Production Facility License under the Marine Fisheries Commission, valid for five years, allowing commercial rearing and sale of designated fish, crustaceans, and shellfish species.

Establishes a leasing program for public bottom lands and water column in coastal fishing waters, with initial lease terms of 10 years at $10 per acre annually, requiring lessees to be North Carolina residents.

Prohibits unauthorized taking of farmed marine species from privately leased aquaculture operations and makes violations a Class A1 misdemeanor with fines up to $5,000.

Requires the Division of Marine Fisheries to request the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils develop a Fishery Management Plan for offshore aquaculture in federal waters, with interim and final reports due by February 1, 2018 and May 1, 2018 respectively.

Takes effect October 1, 2017, except the interim and final reporting requirements which take effect upon enactment.