(a) To advise the director in establishing policy and direction for the program, the director shall establish the Ocean Resources Enhancement Advisory Panel.

(b) The advisory panel shall consist of the following members, all of whom shall be residents of California:

(1) One nonvoting member representing the department.

(2) One nonvoting member representing the California Sea Grant program.

(3) Two voting members representing the southern California commercial fishing industry.

(4) One voting member representing the southern California commercial passenger fishing vessel industry.

(5) Three voting members representing the southern California sport fishing industry.

(6) One voting member representing the southern California aquaculture industry.

(7) One voting member representing the public or nongovernmental organization interests, or both.

(c) There shall be a designated alternate member for each voting member of the advisory panel.

(d) The director shall appoint members and alternate members of the advisory panel after soliciting nominations for members and evaluating the experience, demonstrated program knowledge, and relevant stakeholder support of nominees.

(e) Each appointment of a member or alternate member shall be for a term of three years. There shall be no limit on the number of terms a member may serve on the advisory panel.

(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 345, Sec. 5. (AB 1949) Effective January 1, 2021. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Sec. 6598.)