Senate amendment #1 makes the following changes to the 3rd edition.

Makes a technical correction to the act's long title.

Modifies the minimum standards that must be met for areas to be suitable for marine aquaculture leases under proposed GS 113-217(a), deleting the general language requiring the areas to meet any additional standards, established by the Marine Fisheries Commission in duly adopted rules, to protect the public interest in coastal fishing waters. Makes conforming changes to subsection (e). Amends subsection (j), providing that initial marine aquaculture leases expire at noon on the first day of July following the twentieth (was, tenth) anniversary of granting the lease, and that renewal leases are issued for a period of 20 (was, 10) years from the time of the expiration of the previous lease.

Adds a new section, directing the Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) and the Division of Marine Fisheries of the Department of Environmental Quality to implement the Importation of Marine and Estuarine Organisms Rule (15A NCAC 03I .0104/Introduce, Transfer or Hold Imported Marine and Estuarine Organisms) by exempting the use of American eels imported from Virginia or South Carolina in an aquaculture operation from the permitting requirements of the Rule. Requires the Commission to adopt a rule to amend the Importation of Marine and Estuarine Organisms Rule consistent with and substantively identical to this implementation directive as described. Provides that rules adopted pursuant to this provision are not subject to Part 3 of Article 2A of GS Chapter 150B, and that these rules are effective as provided in GS 150B-21.3(b1) as though 10 or more written objections had been received as provided in GS 150B-21.3(b2). Establishes that this section expires when permanent rules adopted as required by the section become effective.