Bill > HB784

This bill extends the authorization for leaseholders in aquaculture, which is the farming of aquatic organisms like shellfish, to place their shellfish, bags, nets, and structures on submerged aquatic vegetation, which are plants that grow underwater. This extension, which requires prior written approval from the Department of Natural Resources and is subject to certain conditions, will now last until June 30, 2030. The bill also clarifies that when the Department approves such placements, they cannot authorize harvesting by dredge in areas with submerged aquatic vegetation, but must allow for harvesting by diving in those areas and ensure that at least 10% of the area with submerged aquatic vegetation is available for such placements on water column leases.