It is further declared to be in the public interest and highly advantageous to the economy of the state that shrimpers and seafood fishermen, either singularly or jointly, be permitted by referendum, as provided in this article, to levy upon themselves an assessment and to provide for the collection of the assessment for the financing of a program for research, education, advertising, and other methods designed to increase or promote the efficient and economical production, distribution, and marketing as well as the increased use, consumption, and sale of shrimp and seafood.