Legislative Spotlight: Support AB807

California Is Falling Behind—AB807 Can Fix That

While other states like Virginia have already proven that public-nonprofit mitigation banks work, California still lacks the legal framework to deploy marine artificial reefs as compensatory mitigation.

Assembly Bill 807 (AB807), authored by Assemblymember Dixon, would amend Section 1798 of the Fish and Game Code to recognize artificial marine reefs as eligible for mitigation credit under California law.

Without this update, the state is blocking funding, permitting, and legal approval for nature-based restoration solutions, like the one we’re ready to launch in San Francisco Bay.

Why AB807 Matters to San Francisco Bay

The Oyster Culture Foundation is prepared to implement a public-nonprofit mitigation bank that would:

• Deploy over 14 million Pacific oysters across 1,300 acres of estuarine habitat
   
• Filter pollutants including nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals
   
• Restore marine biodiversity and native oyster populations
   
• Protect shorelines from erosion and sea-level rise
   
• Create jobs and training opportunities in the blue economy
   
• Fund these activities through the sale of mitigation credits—if the law allows it

We’ve submitted a formal letter of support to the California Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee urging them to pass AB807. Our letter outlines how this bill aligns with federal mitigation guidance and mirrors successful programs like The Nature Conservancy’s VARTF in Virginia.

Here’s how you can support this critical legislation and help restore California’s coastlines:

1. Contact Your Representatives
   Encourage your state legislators to vote YES on AB807.
    
2. Share This Campaign
   Post about AB807 on social media. Tag your lawmakers. Spread the word.
    
3. Donate to Support Our Work
   Help us continue our mission to scale oyster reef restoration and lead public-nonprofit mitigation banking in the Bay Area.
   [Insert link to donation page]

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and events from our organization. Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or attend one of our events to connect with our community.

We welcome feedback, questions, and partnership opportunities. Contact us via email or phone.