Relating to the placement of a cultivated oyster in a natural oyster bed, a private oyster bed, or coastal waters.

Contracts

• Hatchery Supply Agreements: Amend immediately to require suppliers to provide biological data (genetics/pathology) compliant with forthcoming TPWD BMPs. Include clauses defining liability if stock is rejected by TPWD.
• Sales/Delivery Contracts: Insert or strengthen Force Majeure provisions to cover "regulatory delays," protecting your business from breach of contract if TPWD delays authorization issuance.
• Lease Agreements: Indemnify leaseholders against violations caused by sub-lessees or contractors placing unauthorized stock.

Hiring/Training

• Logistics Protocols: Implement a "No Permit, No Departure" policy. Vessel captains must be trained to verify the physical presence of the TPWD Written Authorization on board before leaving the dock.
• Compliance Staff: Designate a point person to monitor the *Texas Register* for the release of the BMP criteria.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• New Authorization Forms: Prepare to file a specific "Request for Written Authorization" for every deployment event.
• Deployment Logs: Maintain strict logs correlating the *authorized* quantity/coordinates with the *actual* placement data to satisfy Game Warden inspections.
• Scientific Records: You must retain proof of BMP compliance (e.g., hatchery certificates, health reports) for all deployed stock.

Fees & Costs

• Testing Costs: While the bill lists no state fee, budget for increased costs associated with genetic testing or pathology reports likely to be required by the new BMPs.
• Inventory Risk: Budget for potential inventory loss or maintenance costs if deployments are delayed by agency processing lags.