N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113-315.18

The Secretary is hereby authorized to provide through his Department and the extension services of the University of North Carolina those services intended to promote the economic development of the fishermen, including but not limited to:

(1) Instituting business management services to promote better business management practices throughout the fishing and seafood industry, and to promote the better use of credit and other business management techniques.

(2) Providing counseling services to the fishermen at all levels and assisting them in meeting the federal and State environmental, safety and health requirements.

(3) Improving waterways, harbors, inlets, and generally the water transportation system of North Carolina so as to more efficiently and safely accommodate commercial and sport fishing craft, and to provide access to and from fishing grounds.