(a) There is a Seafood Program Management Team to be administered by the Maryland Cooperative Extension.

(b) The Team shall:

(1) Establish and monitor a grant program for the implementation of appropriate projects that support the economic health of the Maryland seafood industry;

(2) Prioritize, select for funding, and oversee seafood industry projects under a rapid response structure; and

(3) Examine new technologies, equipment, raw and value-added products, feasibility studies, and market development and cost control strategies.

(c) The Team shall consist of the following 18 individuals appointed by the Department:

(1) 12 members including:

(i) 1 holder of tidal fisheries license;

(ii) 1 crab processor;

(iii) 1 oyster packer;

(iv) 1 surf clam processor;

(v) 1 finfish processor;

(vi) 1 value-added processor;

(vii) 1 wholesale distributor;

(viii) 1 seafood distributor;

(ix) 1 aquafarmer;

(x) 1 representative of the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association;

(xi) 1 representative of the Maryland Watermen’s Association; and

(xii) 1 representative of the Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission; and

(2) 6 advisors, including 1 representative each from:

(i) The University of Maryland, College Park Campus;

(ii) The University of Maryland Eastern Shore;

(iii) The Department;

(iv) The Department of the Environment;

(v) The Department of Natural Resources; and

(vi) The Maryland Department of Health.

(d) (1) (i) Team members shall select the chair from among the Team members.

(ii) Only Team members may vote in the selection of projects to be funded.

(2) At the invitation of the members, Team advisors may assist with project design, proposal preparation, and project-related research.

(e) If a project is funded by the Team, the Team shall make public the project’s design and results on the Department’s website and by other methods determined by the Team or as required by law.