ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 476

CHAPTER 476
(Senate Bill 675)

AN ACT concerning

Study of Nonnative Oyster Species - Findings of the National Academy of

Sciences

FOR the purpose of repealing the requirement that certain study of certain nonnative
oyster species proceed in accordance with certain findings of the National
Academy of Sciences; requiring that the study be consistent with certain
National Academy of Sciences findings be included in certain study to a certain
extent; and generally relating to the study of nonnative oyster species.

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,

Chapter 508 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2002
Section 1(a)(1) and (d)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Chapter 508 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2002
Section 1(a)(2)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Chapter 508 of the Acts of 2002

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, That:

(a) (1) The Department of Natural Resources shall authorize the study of
the Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis) and other nonnative species by both
private and public research institutions with expertise in the field.

(2) The study required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall
INCLUDE:

(i) [Include an] AN analysis of the ecological benefits and risks
associated with the introduction of:

1.       Reproductively capable nonnative oyster species in
Maryland waters, for purposes of fisheries restoration or any other purpose; and

2.       Sterile nonnative species in Maryland, for purposes of the
development of aquaculture or any other purpose; and

(ii) [Proceed in accordance with] TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE AS THE
STUDY PROGRESSES, BE CONSISTENT WITH the findings of the National Academy of
Sciences review of the Suminoe oyster.

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