Committee authorizes DMR to require educational course for seaweed permit holders, with report back

The joint committee voted to advance LD 19 91, a Department of Marine Resources bill granting the commissioner authority to require an educational course for issuance or renewal of seaweed permits and to add endorsements for specific species when appropriate. Analyst Anne Davidson and DMR’s Deirdre Gilbert briefed the committee in work session on the bill’s intent and implementation considerations.

DMR explained the measure would allow the department to design materials and, if appropriate, require an endorsement on a seaweed permit for particular species (such as rockweed) at no charge. Staff recommended starting with new licensees and issuance (one‑time for existing license holders), with the Seaweed Fisheries Advisory Council and public vetting used to develop content. Gilbert said that the advisory council members proposed a focused set of educational items—best management practices, safety, stewardship, and regulatory basics—and that DMR envisioned a modest program rather than the extensive testing required for some other fisheries.

Committee members debated scope (rockweed versus broader seaweed species), whether the requirement should include a formal test or only an educational video or course, options for accessible testing (paper or online), and whether DMR should return with a report on the program. The committee ultimately agreed to give DMR authority to design and implement an educational course, to allow the department to require endorsements where warranted, and to request a report back one license cycle after implementation; the committee also authorized DMR to report out legislation following that review if needed.

During the work session the committee moved that the bill "ought to pass as amended" and recorded a unanimous vote. Committee members asked DMR to present proposed materials and testing approach before implementation and to include public input via the advisory council.

Next steps: DMR will develop course materials with advisory council input, aim for implementation in the 2027 licensing year if feasible, and report back to the committee one license cycle after implementation to evaluate outcomes and bring legislation if recommended.