Everyone meets once a month. If the group comes to a consensus it is brought to the council with full backing and will carry a lot of weight, however no matter what the science is you don't know what the politicians will do. The important fact is to initially set the ground rules. Pick topics of interest, goal orientated and hot topics that give the assemblage some value to attendees. Be persistent in getting people there.
Marine aquaculture is conducted in water, which is a public domain.
All private use does get some special scrutiny due to this doctrine in a way that is different from public land and not as well defined. Since there are different uses for these water resources, there should be scrutiny. Many federal and state agencies are involved with marine aquaculture, and for aquaculture in the EEZ land-based support facilities are required. Jurisdictional uncertainties, together with regulations governing aquaculture written primarily for other purposes, have complicated this activity. While the federal government promotes aquaculture the Coastal Zone Management Act was a conscious step to give states primacy over the federal government.