The Coastal Conservation Association California has sponsored State Assembly Bill 1949, which could bring more strength in structure for the Ocean Resource Enhancement and Hatchery Program (OREHP). This is part of a goal of creating more funding for the program in the future.
AB 1949 was authored by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath from the 76th District and introduced on January 17th, 2020.
According to the AB 1949 fact sheet, this bill specifically:
- Clarifies that the director of OREHP has the authority to make programmatic decisions for the program, and limits the role of the advisory panel to advice the director;
- Restructures the composition of the Advisory Panel members to include members of the commercial and sports fishing, commercial fishing vessels, and the public;
- Expands CDFW’s contracting authority under the program by authorizing the department to contract with any public or private entity to conduct research projects;
- Authorizes the department to accept volunteer assistance for program volunteers
Under existing law, OREHP is administered by the Director of Fish & Wildlife with the advice and assistance of the Ocean Resources Enhancement Advisory Panel. Existing law specifies the membership of the advisory panel and establishes a specified appointing authority for each member of the advisory panel.
Existing law also prohibits financing of any part of the program unless it has been approved by the director and by a majority of the members of the advisory panel.
This is the first effort in trying to provide more funding for the OREHP program, and also part of an effort to try to expand the program in the future.
Thank you to all of our members, fishing clubs, and organizations for helping support this bill by submitting letters in support!
