Declares it is the purpose of this act to develop and promote a comprehensive and efficient shellfish aquaculture regulatory process, informed by research, that protects the state's environment, natural resources, and recreational opportunities. To optimize limited available resources, state regulatory, environmental, and natural resource agencies, the state department of agriculture, Native American tribes, local governments, and public and private sector interests must work cooperatively to establish common goals, minimize regulatory confusion, develop consistency in applying environmental standards, maximize environmental benefits through coordinated investment strategies, and eliminate duplicative processes.