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House creates seagrass task force to study and plan restoration in Mobile Bay and Alabama waters
Summary
House Bill 92 establishes a seagrass task force and directs development of a 10‑year plan to coordinate restoration and conservation efforts for seagrass habitats in Alabama waters. Sponsor cited declines in seagrass and impacts on fisheries and water clarity.
The House adopted House Bill 92 to form a seagrass task force that will study the decline of seagrass in Alabama waters and prepare a 10‑year plan for restoration and coordination among stakeholders.
Representative Cameron Brown, sponsor of the bill, explained that Mobile Bay has experienced a long‑term decline in seagrass coverage that harms fish and shellfish reproduction, impairs water clarity and negatively affects commercial and recreational fishing. “Seagrass grows on the ocean floor… it’s a place where seafood goes to reproduce. It also provides, helps with the clarity of the water,” Brown said.
The bill establishes the task force to assess current conditions, coordinate existing efforts and produce a unified plan so government agencies, universities, nonprofits and private partners can align restoration actions over a decade. A committee substitute removed a provision that had designated the Department of Conservation as the executing agency to avoid conflicts with private and federal funds and instead left implementation coordination to participating entities.
Members adopted the substitute and passed the bill. Sponsors said the study and plan aim to support the seafood industry, recreational fishing and water quality by restoring native seagrass and addressing invasive species and other stressors.
