Shellfish and seaweed operations: marine restoration projects.

Existing law requires the owner of each aquaculture facility to register with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Existing law authorizes the department, among other powers, to prohibit an aquaculture operation or the culturing of any species at any location where it is determined it would be detrimental to adjacent native wildlife. Existing law also authorizes the Fish and Game Commission to regulate the taking, collecting, harvesting, gathering, or possession of kelp for purposes other than profit. This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation to consider innovative new approaches to permitting efficiency and thereby encourage sustainable shellfish and seaweed operations and marine restoration projects. The bill would also make related findings and declarations.