(a) The department shall conduct continuous research and study of:
(1) the supply, economic value, environment, and reproductive characteristics of the various economically important species of shrimp;
(2) factors affecting the increase or decrease in shrimp stocks in both an annual and long-term cycle;
(3) the use and effectiveness of trawls, nets, and other devices for the taking of shrimp;
(4) industrial and other pollution of the water naturally frequented by shrimp;
(5) statistical information gathered by the department on the marketing, harvesting, processing, and catching of shrimp landed at points in the state;
(6) environmental parameters in the bay and estuary areas that may serve as limiting factors of shrimp population abundance;
(7) other factors that, based on the best scientific information available, may affect the health and well-being of the economically important shrimp resources; and
(8) alternative management measures for shrimp that may be considered for implementation in the management regime.
(b) The research may be conducted by the department or an agency designated by the department.