Sec. 5. Aquaculture Centers of Excellence
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/bill/118/hr/5944/ih/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a program to award grants to covered institutions to assist in establishing or enhancing an aquaculture curriculum for undergraduate or graduate courses of study at such covered institutions. A covered institution that receives a grant under this section shall be known as an Aquaculture Center of Excellence . To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a covered institution shall submit to the Administrator an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Administrator determines appropriate, including any plans to partner with 1 or more other institutions of higher education as authorized under paragraph (5).
A covered institution receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant amounts to establish or enhance an aquaculture curriculum for undergraduate or graduate courses of study that includes the following: Training in various skill sets needed by successful aquaculture entrepreneurs, including— business management, strategic planning, business plan development, capital financing and fundraising, financial management and accounting, market analysis and competitive analysis, and market entry and strategy execution; and any other skill sets specific to the needs of the student population and the surrounding community, including with respect to social and environmental sustainability, as determined by the institution.
Natural and social science research programs in aquaculture and natural fisheries, including offshore aquaculture. Development of extension programs (or cooperation with existing extension programs) that— educate and engage community members, including elementary and secondary school students, on aquaculture and aquaculture career pathways; and transfer newly developed techniques and research information developed or collated at the covered institution to aquaculture practitioners.
Career development, such as the establishment of cooperatives, apprenticeships, mentorships, accelerators, or grant competitions. Amounts from a grant awarded under this section may be used only for expenses directly related to the implementation of the curriculum or activities authorized under this section. In applying for grants and carrying out activities with grant amounts under this section, a covered institution may partner with 1 or more other institutions of higher education with established aquaculture programs, including institutions of higher education not otherwise eligible for grants under this section, to facilitate the sharing of resources and knowledge necessary for the development or enhancement of aquaculture curriculum at the covered institution.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027, to remain available until expended.