(a) The commissioner shall act as permit or license coordinator for aquatic farmers and shall assist aquatic farmers to obtain licenses or permits.

(b) A state agency issuing multiple permits or licenses for aquaculture shall consolidate the permits or licenses required for every aquatic farm location. The Department of Natural Resources transportation permits are exempt from this requirement. State agencies shall adopt rules or issue commissioner’s orders that establish permit and license requirements, approval timelines, and compliance standards. Saltwater aquatic farms, as defined in section 17.4982, and processing facilities for saltwater aquatic life, as defined in section 17.4982, must be classified as agricultural operations for purposes of any construction, discharge, or other permit issued by the Pollution Control Agency.

Nothing in this section modifies any state agency’s regulatory authority over aquaculture production.