Senate Joint Resolution 205 Summary

• Supports revision of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policies for the Wilmington District to allow shellfish cultivation and aquaculture in North Carolina waters containing submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV).

• Proposes replacing the current ban on adverse impacts to SAV with a requirement that adverse impacts be allowed only after completing an essential fish habitat consultation under the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.

• Cites the eastern oyster as a species of concern with low juvenile abundance indices and notes that adult oysters filter 13-50 gallons of water daily, improving water quality.

• Identifies oyster beds as habitat for over 300 species including crabs, shrimp, and fish, and notes that SAV areas were historically viable oyster production sites.

• Directs the Secretary of State to transmit the resolution to the Wilmington District, South Atlantic Division, and Chief of Engineers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.