MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH PROGRAMS.

(a) The marine biology department of Texas A&M University at Galveston may:

(1) evaluate the expansion and production of oysters from private oyster leases during the months of May through October of each year; and

(2) study the possible impacts of conditions observed on public harvest outside that period.

(b) The marine biology department may investigate and provide information about oyster diseases and other concerns that may affect the availability of oysters for harvest. The investigation shall consider the effects of natural environmental conditions, including salinity, temperature, turbidity, and other natural environmental conditions, and shall also consider factors that may not be part of the natural environment, including chemical contamination, freshwater inflow alterations, and ballast water discharges.

(c) The marine biology department may investigate and provide information about organisms that may be associated with human illness that can be transmitted through the consumption of oysters, particularly Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus. The investigation must consider factors such as natural occurrence, contamination, and the effects of time, temperature, and handling practices on the organisms.

(d) The marine biology department shall give priority to activities related to public health.