WHEREAS, the Governor's Cup was established in order to promote billfishing and conservation; and,

WHEREAS, the series has operated informally up until this time but, due to its growth and success, its status and operations need to be formalized; and,

WHEREAS, the series has resulted in greatly increased participation in local tournaments up and down the South Carolina coast; and,

WHEREAS, the series has increased tourism and provided for outdoor recreation for many South Carolina citizens; and,

WHEREAS, the promotion of conservation through the catch and release option has been significant; and,

WHEREAS, due to the Government Restructuring Act of 1993, the Board of the Department of Natural Resources has the authority to appoint such advisory boards and committees as it sees fit.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina, I do hereby create the Governor's Cup Billfish Series and transfer the operation of the same to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

• The Department of Natural Resources is hereby authorized and directed to operate and manage a program whereby billfishing tournaments which meet the criteria set by the Board of the Department of Natural Resources for participation join the Governor's Cup Billfish Series.

• The Department of Natural Resources is authorized and directed to develop Series rules and to make compliance with such rules a prerequisite of participation in the Series.

• The Department of Natural Resources is further authorized and directed to solicit affiliates, contributors, sponsors, and advertisers in order to defray the expense of operating the Series. The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to enter into contracts with private individuals, corporations, local and regional units of government, as well as other State Agencies, in carrying out the duties herein described.

• The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to award prizes and trophies for the various winners of the Series and expend funds on operation and promotion of the Series, the total cost of which shall not exceed the funds on-hand generated by the tournament itself, the sales of associated items, gifts, donations, and such other funds as it deems necessary to operate and promote the Series.

• The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to delegate such duties as are granted hereunder to its staff and such advisory boards and committees as it shall create.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 9TH DAY OF MARCH 1995

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DAVID M. BEASLEY
Governor

ATTEST:

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JAMES M. MILES
Secretary of State

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:16 A.M.