As used in this Article:
(1) "Economic development" means: giving helpful and useful aid to improve the proficiency of the citizens, and the efficiency of the operations are improved to the end that the economic well-being of fishermen is improved, the quality of life is enhanced and equality of opportunity is provided.
(2) "Fisherman" means: any person, firm, corporation, cooperative, partnership, or any legally constituted group, engaged in the harvesting, handling, processing, packaging, and marketing of fishery or seafood products from coastal fishing waters as defined by G.S. 113-129.