SEAGRASS PLANTS.

(a) In this section, "seagrass plant" means a flowering marine plant of the species:

(1) Cymodocea filiformis, known as manatee grass;

(2) Halodule beaudettei or Halodule wrightii, known as shoal grass;

(3) Halophila engelmannii, known as star grass or Engelmann's seagrass;

(4) Ruppia maritima, known as widgeon grass; or

(5) Thalassia testudinum, known as turtle grass.

(b) A person may not uproot or dig out any rooted seagrass plant from a bay bottom or other saltwater bottom area in the jurisdiction of this state by means of a propeller, except as that uprooting or digging out may be authorized by a commercial license or permit issued by the department.

(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that a person:

(1) anchors a vessel within an area containing seagrass plants and uproots a seagrass plant;

(2) uses an electric trolling motor within an area containing seagrass plants and uproots a seagrass plant; or

(3) operates a vessel in a manner consistent with the acceleration required to reach and stay on plane.

(d) A person who violates this section or a proclamation of the commission under this section commits an offense that is a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor.