§ 66.217. FINFISH RESEARCH.

(a) The department shall conduct continuous research and study of:

(1) the supply, economic value, environment, and breeding habits of the various species of finfish, including red drum and speckled sea trout;

(2) factors affecting the increase or decrease of finfish supply;

(3) the use of trawls, nets, and other devices for the taking of finfish;

(4) the effect on finfish of industrial and other types of water pollution in areas naturally frequented by finfish; and

(5) statistical information gathered by the department on the marketing, harvesting, processing, and catching of finfish landed in this state.

(b) The department shall make findings based on the research required by Subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The findings shall be filed in the permanent records of the department.