(20 ILCS 215/1) (from Ch. 5, par. 2301) Sec. 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Aquaculture Development Act". (Source: P.A. 85-856.)

(20 ILCS 215/2) (from Ch. 5, par. 2302) Sec. 2. Findings. The legislature finds and declares that it is in the interest of the people of this State that the practice of aquaculture be encouraged in order to augment food supplies, promote agriculture diversification, expand employment opportunities, promote economic activity, increase native fish stocks, enhance commercial and recreational fishing and protect and better use the land and water resources of the State. The legislature finds that aquaculture shall be considered an agricultural pursuit as provided in the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and for purposes of any laws that apply to or provide for the advancement, benefit or protection of the agriculture industry of the State. (Source: P.A. 85-856.)

(20 ILCS 215/3) (from Ch. 5, par. 2303) Sec. 3. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to establish a policy and program toward improving the science and husbandry of aquaculture as a means to expand the aquaculture industry and related economic activity in this State. (Source: P.A. 85-856.)

(20 ILCS 215/4) (from Ch. 5, par. 2304) Sec. 4. Definitions. For the purposes of this Act: (a) "Aquaculture" means the controlled propagation, growth and harvest of aquatic organisms, including but not limited to fish, shellfish, mollusks, crustaceans, algae and other aquatic plants, by an aquaculturist. (b) "Aquaculturists" means individuals involved in producing, transporting or marketing aquatic products from privately owned waters for commercial purposes. (c) "Privately owned waters" means waters confined within an artificial containment, such as man-made ponds, vats, tanks, raceways and any other indoor or outdoor facility constructed wholly within or on the enclosed land of an owner or lessor. (d) "Director" means the Director of Agriculture. (e) "Department" means the Department of Agriculture. (f) "Aquatic products" means any aquatic plants and animals or their by-products that are produced, grown, managed, harvested and marketed on an annual, semi-annual, biennial or short term basis, in permitted aquaculture facilities. (g) "Permitted aquaculture facility" means a facility used by aquaculturists to breed, hatch, propagate or raise aquatic life permitted by the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to Section 20-90 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. (Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)

(20 ILCS 215/5) (from Ch. 5, par. 2305) Sec. 5. Program Development. The Department shall be the principal State agency for developing a program for assisting the State's aquaculture industry. The Department may consult with the Aquaculture Industry Advisory Committee in developing a program by which the Department shall: (a) serve as a clearinghouse for information on

aquaculture and provide assistance, information and data relating to the production and use of aquatic foods;

(b) develop informational packets and brochures on

permit and license requirements and regulations governing the aquaculture industry;

(c) coordinate with other State agencies in order to

promote the maximum flow of information and avoid unnecessary overlapping of regulations;

(d) assist marketing and promotion of aquatic

products.

The transportation, possession or sale of aquatic products shall require that they be placed in labeled containers or accompanied by bills of lading or sale or similar documents identifying the name and address of the producer and quantity of the products. The Director shall consult with the Director of Natural Resources to ensure that rules do not impair the enforcement provisions of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code protecting aquatic life in the native environment. Importation of non-indigenous species of aquatic life into the State for aquaculture must comply with rules and regulations of the Department of Natural Resources. (Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)

(20 ILCS 215/5.5) Sec. 5.5. (Repealed). (Source: P.A. 94-91, eff. 7-1-05. Repealed internally, eff. 6-30-09.)

(20 ILCS 215/6) (from Ch. 5, par. 2306) Sec. 6. Advisory Committee. The Director may appoint an Aquaculture Industry Advisory Committee consisting of at least 12 members representing all sectors of the aquaculture industry. The committee shall assist the Director in developing and implementing a State aquaculture plan and rules necessary for the implementation of this Act, identifying the opportunities for regulatory relief, assisting the establishment of research and development priorities, assisting the development of criteria to assure that publicly financed pilot programs are compatible with industry needs and identifying other opportunities for industrial development. The term of membership shall be 3 years. Members may be reappointed. Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The committee shall meet at the call of the Director. (Source: P.A. 85-856.)