Louisiana House Bill HB680

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Provides relative to private oyster leases on privately owned water bottoms

Impact

This legislation impacts existing state laws surrounding the leasing of water bottoms by solidifying private landowners' rights to cultivate oysters on their water bottom property. It mandates a more rigorous investigative process to determine ownership before issuing new leases, which could prevent future disputes. Additionally, it provides a right of first refusal for existing leaseholders if their water bottoms are deemed state-owned in the future, ensuring their interests are maintained during transitions in ownership status.

Summary

House Bill 680 seeks to reform the leasing process for oyster cultivation on privately-held water bottoms in Louisiana. It allows private oyster leases on such lands and specifies that the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cannot grant leases that overlap with existing private leases. This bill aims to recognize private landowners' rights while establishing living shorelines to support coastal reclamation efforts. The intent is to promote sustainable oyster farming and improve efforts to restore coastal ecosystems through engineered oyster reefs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 680 appears to be supportive among private landowners and local oyster farmers who see it as a necessary step toward protecting their investments and livelihoods. Conversely, there may be concerns from environmental advocates regarding the potential ecological impacts of increased oyster cultivation and the necessity of maintaining the balance between commercial interests and environmental preservation. Overall, the proposal reflects a growing interest in protecting local economies while also addressing coastal erosion and habitat loss.

Contention

Points of contention related to this bill include the implications of allowing more private control over water bottom leases and the necessity of adhering to environmental regulations during the establishment of living shorelines. Critics might argue that such privatization could lead to overexploitation of coastal resources or hinder public access to these waters. There is also a concern regarding the necessity of rigorous review processes to ensure that land reclamation projects do not negatively affect the surrounding ecosystems.