NY S09181

Amends Environmental Conservation Law § 13-0301 to permit the Department to lease state-owned underwater lands for seaweed cultivation in addition to existing shellfish cultivation authority.

Requires written approval from the Office of General Services for leases within 500 feet of the high water mark.

Prohibits leasing of lands with sufficient shellfish presence for commercial harvesting, lands that would reduce established commercial finfish or crustacean fisheries, lands producing bay scallops commercially, or underwater lands in Gardiner's and Peconic bays and their tributaries.

Requires leases be awarded through public auction to the highest responsible bidder, with cultivation commencing within one year of lease award and detailed cultivation plans submitted by bidders.

Grants seaweed cultivation lessees exclusive rights to use leased lands for two years from the date of any conflicting Commissioner grant or lease, with ability to transplant seaweed to other controlled lands.