The principal activities of the Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism under this article are to promote participation in and arrange for the location of marine research and industrial activities. The department may delegate to its officers, agents, and employees such duties as it may deem proper to carry out the purposes of this article. The department may contract with any department, board, or agency of the state, local, or federal government; the University System of Georgia or any of its component units; other public or private colleges and universities; nonprofit organizations; foundations; corporations; private business firms; and individuals as shall be consonant with the purposes of this article.