Establishes a state commercial fishing industry advocate and creates a small business commercial fishing economic development program to promote small businesses in the state's commercial fishing industry

BILL NUMBER:S5444

Title of bill

An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to the establishment of a state small business commercial fishing industry advocate and the creation of a small business commercial fishing economic development program to promote small businesses in the state's commercial fishing industry

Purpose of bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish a State small business commercial fishing industry advocate within the Department of Economic Development and to create a small business commercial fishing economic development program to promote small businesses in the State's commercial fishing industry.

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill adds a new article 23 to the economic development law establishing the Small Business Commercial Fishing Industry Economic Development Program. Specifically, the bill:

* Establishes the New York State Small Business Commercial Fishing Advocate within the Department of Economic Development. The Advocate would authorized to advise the Commissioner on matters concerning small business commercial fishing and act as a liaison between the industry and the Commissioner. Additionally, the Advocate would be authorized to review current State policies and programs affecting the small business commercial fishing industry, promote the industry in marketing and economic programs in a manner that supports the long-term vitality of the industry in an environmentally sustainable manner;

* Creates the Small Business Commercial Fishing Economic Development program to enhance and promote the small business commercial fishing industry, provide increased public awareness of these business and to provide for the long-term vitality of small businesses engaged in commercial fishing; and

* Authorizes the Advocate to work in cooperation with federal and State entities that regulate the small business commercial fishing industry in an effort further develop programs that promote the long-term viability of these small businesses.

Prior legislative history

New 2015

Statement in support

The commercial fishing industry in New York State consists mainly of small or family businesses. Currently, there is no State department or office to turn to in helping to provide the assistance they need to promote their business and the overall fishing industry. For example, the Department of Environmental Conservation sets rules and regulations related to fishing seasons, sizes, quotas, and gear allowed. However, they do not provide technical, financial or other business related assistance to help maintain and grow individual businesses nor the entire industry. Establishing the New York State Small Business Commercial Fishing Advocate within the Department of Economic Development will help promote the commercial fishing industry, serving as a voice at the table in the regulatory environment, and helping to develop new State campaigns to promote all

aspects of the fishing industry, from the catch to the processing, packing, distribution and purchasing of one of our States most valuable resources.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

Immediately.