The department, under the direction of the commissioner, may conduct or sponsor programs for research and development of commercial, marine recreational and anadromous fishery resources and other marine resources of the State which may include biological, chemical, technological, hydrological, processing, depuration, marketing, financial, economic and promotional research and development. The department may carry out these programs within the department, in cooperation with other state agencies, and federal, regional and local governmental entities, or with private institutions or persons.   [PL 1987, c. 599, §1 (AMD).]