The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Declines in various southern California marine species of fish have adversely affected the sport and commercial fishing industry.
(b) Efforts to enhance these species through the placement of artificial reefs need to be investigated.
(c) A program of artificial reef research and development, including reef design, placement, and monitoring, is in the public interest and can best be accomplished under the administration of the department with the cooperation and assistance of the University of California, the California State University, other established, appropriate academic institutions, and other organizations with demonstrated expertise in the field.
(d) A state artificial reef research and construction program under the administration of the department is necessary to coordinate ongoing studies and construction of artificial reefs in waters of the state.
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 83, Sec. 55. Effective January 1, 2000.)