Governor Kay Ivey has signed House Bill 38 into law, establishing the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to address the decline of seagrass habitats in the state’s coastal waters.

Sponsored by State Representative Chip Brown, the legislation creates a framework to study seagrass loss and develop a coordinated plan to restore and protect these critical ecosystems.

Seagrass beds serve as essential nursery habitats for a wide range of marine species, including shrimp, red snapper, speckled trout, and blue crabs. However, their health is influenced by a combination of environmental conditions, water clarity, and coastal development, making restoration efforts complex.

“We don’t know how genetically diverse these plants are, and usually the plants that are most genetically diverse have the highest survival,” said Dr. John Valentine, executive director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. “This task force will address these systematic unknowns and recommend strategies to restore and protect these important underwater habitats.”

Dr. Valentine will co-chair the task force alongside the president of the University of South Alabama. The task force will bring together scientists, environmental managers, policymakers, and industry representatives to guide the development of a 10-year restoration plan focused on innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable approaches.

The task force membership includes representatives from state agencies, academic institutions, environmental organizations, and private industry, ensuring a collaborative, statewide effort.

The Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force is scheduled to hold its first meeting in January 2027.