Bill > A05181

This bill aims to enhance the management, development, and funding of the commercial shellfish aquaculture industry in New York by making several key changes to existing laws. It establishes a new director of aquacultural and maricultural resources position within the Department of Agriculture and Markets, who will work with the Department of Economic Development to promote and market finfish and shellfish from commercial fishing and aquaculture activities. The bill expands the state's commitment to investigating and encouraging aquaculture development, specifically focusing on economically important shellfish species, with the dual goals of relieving pressure on wild stocks and providing economic opportunities. Additionally, the bill modifies the marine resources account in the conservation fund to explicitly include support for the commercial shellfish aquaculture industry, allowing funds to be used for both the care and management of marine resources and the development of industries involved in commercial and recreational marine resource harvesting. These changes are designed to support the growth and sustainability of the shellfish aquaculture sector in New York by providing dedicated leadership, strategic focus, and financial resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5181