FL H0781

Creates the Nature Coast Oyster Alliance as an advisory council within the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission composed of 17 members appointed for 4-year terms, including representatives from industry, government agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Requires the alliance to meet at least four times per year and establish an Oyster Resource Recovery and Management Working Group to develop comprehensive oyster recovery and management plans for the Nature Coast region, including Apalachicola Bay and Suwannee Sound.

Directs the working group to establish priorities for oyster resource recovery, regulatory policies, adaptive management strategies, research needs, and monitoring to restore and sustain oyster fishery production.

Assigns the working group responsibilities including reshelling and reseeding oyster reefs, supporting aquaculture development, protecting freshwater sources like the Suwannee River, and seeking federal assistance and funding for oyster fishery projects and job training.

Effective date: July 1, 2015.