State waters; Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force established to remediate seagrass loss within state marine waters

Alabama creates coastal seagrass restoration task force

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law creates a task force to address seagrass loss in Alabama's marine waters. It develops and tests restoration methods that are cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, drawing on public and private research. It must prepare a 10-year Alabama Seagrass and Sea Oats Restoration Plan. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama lead the group, which includes government, research, business, and marine environmental representatives. Appointing authorities must fill vacancies and coordinate to reflect the state's racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity. The first meeting must occur by January 1, 2027, with at least two meetings each year. By each regular legislative session's first day, it must report progress, findings, accomplishments, future priorities, and legislative recommendations. Reports go to the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, House Speaker, and Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Sea Lab provides staff and meeting space and manages money appropriated for the task force. With task force consent, it can fund work with marine science and technology groups in Alabama and worldwide. It can retain money for administrative costs; the task force can receive private and federal gifts, grants, and donations. Legislative members may receive compensation, daily allowances, and travel expenses under state constitutional rules. Other members serve without pay but may receive reasonable expense reimbursements under their appointing authorities' policies. The law sets no funding amount.