Senate committee backs bill to create restorative aquaculture program, defers effective date to 2050

The Senate Agriculture and Environment committee passed HB 1572 HD2 on March 25, advancing a measure to establish a state restorative aquaculture development program intended to shorten permit processing, expand infrastructure and grow the aquaculture workforce.

The bill tasks the Department of Agriculture with supporting three pilot demonstration sites and forming a Restorative Aquaculture Advisory Council. The chair recommended passage with an amendment “to defer the date to July 1st, 2050,” language read into the record before the committee adopted the motion by voice vote.

Committee members pressed witnesses on the bill’s jobs estimate. A written or oral claim in testimony said the bill would create 250 direct jobs; when asked for a salary and position breakdown, Todd Lowe of the Department of Agriculture said, “I would have to get that back to you. I don't have that information in that detail at this point.” The department agreed to provide further detail after the hearing.

Witnesses described restorative aquaculture as aquaculture that emphasizes ecosystem services—such as seaweed and bivalve cultivation that can filter and improve water quality—rather than production-only commercial operations. Department witnesses said the state would support restorative projects while also encouraging a diversified aquaculture industry.

The committee recorded five votes in favor (Chair, Vice Chair, and three other members present); the motion carried and the committee recommended passage with amendments. Two members were recorded as excused during later business.