Aquaculture - Placement of Shellfish, Bags, Nets, and Structures on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation - Extension

HB 784 extends the authorization period for aquaculture leaseholders in Maryland to place shellfish, bags, nets, and structures on submerged aquatic vegetation, requiring prior written approval from the Department of Natural Resources. It changes the expiration date from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2030, extending the authorization by 3 years and 1 month. The bill specifies that the Department must allow water column leases to use at least 10% of vegetation areas and prohibits dredge harvesting in vegetation zones. This directly affects commercial shellfish aquaculture operators holding leases in Maryland waters. The change maintains existing restrictions while prolonging the current regulatory framework.