(1) Existing law establishes the California Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program for the purpose of basic and applied research on the artificial propagation, rearing, stocking, and distribution of adversely affected marine fish species that are important to sport or commercial fishing in ocean waters south of Point Arguello. Under existing law, the program is administered by the Director of Fish and Wildlife with the advice and assistance of the Ocean Resources Enhancement Advisory Panel. Existing law specifies the membership of the advisory panel and establishes a specified appointing authority for each member of the advisory panel. Existing law prohibits financing of any part of the program unless it has been approved by the director and by a majority of the members of the advisory panel.
This bill would expand the purpose of the program to encompass any marine fish species important to sport and commercial fishing. The bill would revise provisions relating to the advisory panel by, among other things, specifying which members are voting members, by adding a voting member representing the public or nongovernmental organization interests, or both, by providing for an alternate member to be designated for each voting member, and by establishing 3-year terms for each member and alternate member. The bill would require all members and alternate members to be appointed by the director after soliciting nominations for members and evaluating certain criteria. Except for the advisory panel's advisory function, the bill would eliminate the advisory panel's other functions, including the power to approve financing of any part of the program.
(2) Existing law authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to contract with private nonprofit organizations that meet certain criteria to conduct research projects for purposes of the California Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program. Existing law authorizes the department to enter into one or more agreements to accept services from any person, nonprofit organization, or other public or private entity for purposes relating to conservation programs, projects, and activities by the department.
This bill would expand the department's contracting authority under the program by authorizing the department to contract with any public or private entity to conduct research projects. The bill would also specifically authorize the department to accept volunteer assistance for program operations.

Statutes affected:
AB1949: 6590 FGC, 6591 FGC, 6592 FGC, 6593 FGC, 6594 FGC, 6595 FGC, 6597 FGC, 6598 FGC
01/17/20 - Introduced: 6590 FGC, 6591 FGC, 6592 FGC, 6593 FGC, 6594 FGC, 6595 FGC, 6597 FGC, 6598 FGC
AB 1949: 6590 FGC, 6591 FGC, 6592 FGC, 6593 FGC, 6594 FGC, 6595 FGC, 6597 FGC, 6598 FGC