A Legislative Review of US Aquaculture
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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports 2011 A Legislative Review of U.S. Aquaculture: A State Analysis Relating to West Virginia Ryan M. Benninger West Virginia University Follow this and additional works at: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd Recommended Citation Benninger, Ryan M., "A Legislative Review of U.S. Aquaculture: A State Analysis Relating to West Virginia" (2011). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 3455. https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/3455 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by the The Research Repository @ WVU with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you must obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in WVU Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports collection by an authorized administrator of The Research Repository @ WVU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Legislative Review of U.S. Aquaculture: A State Analysis Relating to West Virginia Ryan M. Benninger Thesis Submitted to the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design at West Virginia University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science In Agricultural Resource Economics Thesis Committee: Jerald J. Fletcher, Ph.D., (Chair) Kenneth J. Semmens, Ph.D. Peter V. Schaeffer, Ph.D. Daniel J. Miller, Ph.D. Fonda L. Holehouse, J.D. Division of Resource Management Morgantown, West Virginia (2011) Keywords: Regulatory, Legislative, Aquaculture Development, West Virginia ABSTRACT A Legislative Review of U.S. Aquaculture: A State Analysis Relating to West Virginia Ryan M. Benninger This case study was designed and presented to allow a ―reader-friendly‖ environment for aquaculture industry inquiry, specifically to pertain to West Virginia’s recent surge in industry development. The sample for this thesis consisted of aquaculture producing states located within the continental U.S. The research design was qualitative descriptive that evaluated the legislative environments for each state aquaculture industry to ultimately pass recommendations for West Virginia. Of the states surveyed, it was found that 26 states enacted development acts for respective industries; 19 states were found to further develop with strategic plans. The greatest constraint discovered during this project was a lack of credible, consistent information. Not only does the U.S. aquaculture industry require more working manuscripts such as this case study, but also the U.S. Agriculture sector as a whole must strive to better inform its members and public alike. Like the majority of the states surveyed for this case study, West Virginia has accomplished multiple achievements during its quest to develop its aquaculture industry. Having completed a legislative development act, additional work towards an on-going strategic plan should be the next goal for the State. While many question the place of regulation in state agricultural activities, a general theme must be remembered. Regulation acknowledges and protects a given industry, such as aquaculture, and it provides a foundational framework by which a respective industry can prosper competitively. In closing, research that frames regulation’s impact on agricultural pursuits, such as aquaculture, must be the focus for the future as increasing domestic production must occur to meet a growing demand for sustenance. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author would like to express his appreciation to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Division of Resource Management, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resource, & Design of West Virginia University for financial grant assistance which made this research project possible. The author would specifically like to thank the following individuals for their direct involvement with this Master’s degree: Cameron Hackney Ph.D., Jerald J. Fletcher Ph.D, Fonda L. Holehouse J.D., Peter V. Schaeffer Ph.D., Kenneth Semmens Ph.D., & Daniel J. Miller Ph.D. Michael Dougherty, Ph.D and Harry Boone Jr., Ph.D., are to be mentioned for their participation with editing and formatting of this thesis. Nyakundi Michieka was crucial in his assistance during the economic analysis phase. Also to note, Gloria Nestor and Vishesh Maskey were crucial during the graphical interpretation phase. The author would like to take the opportunity to give special thanks to his parents: J. Michael Benninger and Barbara R. Benninger, specifically for their continued support. Following, the author would like to acknowledge the support of his wife, Claire Abrenica- Benninger, for her love and support as well. Additionally, the author would like to acknowledge the administrative staff, which includes the following: Ms. Melanie Jimmie, Ms. Ellen Hartley-Smith, and Ms. Lisa Lewis; and also the graduate students that comprise the Division of Resource Management. Lastly, the author would like to thank the individual aquaculture representatives from the states evaluated for their input and desire to promote aquaculture in the U. S. The completion of this project hinged on the information provided. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. ix List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. x Chapter 1:Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................................... 1 Research Objectives .................................................................................................................... 2 Thesis Overview ......................................................................................................................... 4 Chapter 2:Review of Literature ...................................................................................................... 6 Legislative History .................................................................................................................. 6 Developmental Constraints ....................................................................................................... 10 Legislative Case Study Approach ............................................................................................. 13 State Development Plan Review ............................................................................................... 14 Regulatory Ranking Approach ................................................................................................. 15 Chapter 3:State Statutory Review Summary ................................................................................ 17 Purpose of Study ....................................................................................................................... 17 State Review ............................................................................................................................. 17 Alabama ................................................................................................................................ 17 Alaska ................................................................................................................................... 21 Arizona .................................................................................................................................. 22 Arkansas ................................................................................................................................ 25 California .............................................................................................................................. 27 Colorado ................................................................................................................................ 32 Connecticut ........................................................................................................................... 34 Delaware ............................................................................................................................... 38 Florida ................................................................................................................................... 40 Georgia .................................................................................................................................. 46 Hawaii ................................................................................................................................... 50 Idaho ....................................................................................................................................