CA AB303

Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife, in collaboration with the California Coastal Commission, to establish a pilot program by January 1, 2024 in state waters to further develop shellfish and seaweed mariculture production and restoration capacity in California.

Designates five 200-hectare tracts of estuary or ocean for mariculture, with at least two located north of Point Conception and at least two located south, prioritizing areas with existing leases and bull kelp restoration needs.

Allows mariculturalists to begin cultivation without permits (except those required by the State Water Resources Control Board) and grants the Department of Fish and Wildlife sole authority to approve, deny, and enforce compliance within pilot program tracts.

Requires the State Lands Commission or Fish and Game Commission to approve or deny lease applications within 4 months and allows local governments to apply for leases and designate individual mariculturalists as sublessees with notification to relevant agencies within 2 months.

Permits only native species for restoration and limits production to Atlantic oyster, bay mussel, bull kelp, European flat oyster, giant kelp, Kumamoto oyster, Manila clam, Olympia oyster, and Pacific oyster; repeals the pilot program on January 1, 2036.