CT SB00803

Modifies host payment fees for facilities crossing Long Island Sound grounds, directing 75% of proceeds to the Shellfish Fund and expand and grow Connecticut agriculture account (with commissioner determining allocation) and 25% to the General Fund.

Expands the definition of "aquaculture producer" to include cultivation of aquatic plants in addition to aquatic animals, and creates new definitions for "aquatic plants," "seaweed," and "seaweed producer."

Exempts seaweed and aquatic plant producers from seafood processing standards and FDA Food Code requirements, though they must still obtain species approval from the Commissioner of Agriculture.

Establishes a new seaweed cultivation license issued for up to five years at an annual fee of $25 per acre, with exemptions for holders of existing shellfishing ground leases.

Prohibits seaweed licenses from interfering with established fishing or shellfishing rights, requires licensees to make good faith efforts to cultivate seaweed, and provides preference for license renewal to qualified applicants.