New Jersey would add five seats to its aquaculture council

New Jersey would increase the council from 13 to 18 members. Fifteen members would vote, including eight New Jersey residents; three members would have no vote. The Senate president and Assembly speaker would each appoint a clam farmer, an oyster farmer, and another aquaculture representative. The governor would appoint one public member and one aquaculture expert from an academic institution. The changes would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

The council would change which officials and other representatives hold voting and nonvoting seats. Seven named representatives, or their delegates, would vote. Three state officials, or their delegates, would not. Those with votes would represent state government, agriculture, and marine research or education. Those without votes would work on shellfish, water, or land matters. The changes would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.