PERMIT EXEMPTION FOR MARICULTURE ACTIVITIES

(a) In this section, "mariculture" means the propagation and rearing of aquatic species, including shrimp, other crustaceans, finfish, mollusks, and other similar creatures in a controlled environment using brackish or marine water. (b) Without obtaining a permit and subject to the requirements and limitations provided by Subsections (c) through (e) of this section, a person who is engaged in mariculture operations on land may take for that purpose state water from the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent bays and arms of the Gulf of Mexico in an amount appropriate to those mariculture activities. (c) Before a person first takes water under Subsection (b) of this section, the person must give notice to the commission of the proposed appropriation. (d) Each appropriation of water made under Subsection (b) of this section shall be reported to the commission in the manner provided by the commission's rules. (e) After notice and hearing, if the commission determines that as a result of low freshwater inflows appropriation of water under Subsection (b) of this section would interfere with natural productivity of bays and estuaries, the commission shall issue an order requiring interruption or reduction of the appropriation.