Mariculture and Aquatic Farming

Statewide Home

Click to see images
from the field

Overview of Production and Value:

• 1990-2009 Aquatic Farming Production and Number of Farms Graphic
• 1990-2009 Statewide Aquatic Farming Production and Value Data

Annual Mariculture Reports:

• 2003 Annual Mariculture Report
• 2002 Mariculture Annual Report — PDF file* (1,003K)
• 1995 Mariculture Annual Report — PDF file* (1,280K)
• 1994 Mariculture Annual Report — PDF file* (484K)
• 1993 Mariculture Annual Report
    VERY LARGE PDF file * (7,245K) — also available in smaller pieces: Part 1 (1,351K) | Part 2 (1,385K) | Part 3 (1,413K) | Part 4 (891K) | Part 5 (1,062K) | Part 6 (1,179K).
• 1992 Mariculture Annual Report — PDF file* (477K)
• 1991 Mariculture Annual Report — PDF file* (345K)
• 1990 Mariculture Annual Report
    LARGE PDF file * (2,228K) — also available in smaller pieces: Part 1 (507K) | Part 2 (582K) | Part 3 (1,136K)

• 2002 Mariculture Program Overview —  LARGE PDF file* (1.6 MB);
  FLASH file**

• 2003 Geoduck Clam Mariculture Site Survey Cruise Report LARGE PDF file * (2,797K) — also available in smaller pieces: Part 1 (1,449K) | Part 2 (1,451K)
• 1999 Littleneck and Geoduck Clam Mariculture Site Evaluation Cruise Report —
  LARGE PDF file * (1,735K) — also available in smaller pieces: Part 1 (913K) | Part 2 (975K)

Wild stock Harvest on Individual Aquatic Farm Sites:

Geoduck Wildstock Harvest

Aquatic farm operation permit holders of geoduck farms are allowed to harvest insignificant amounts of wild stock geoducks from their farm sites under AS 16. 40.100(b)(2). Currently subtidal farm sites are not permitted if there is a significant amount of wild stock on them under AS 16.40.105(5). As per AS 16.40.155 the department may release records regarding cumulative annual harvests of wild stocks at individual aquatic farm sites. Interim-use permits are issued by Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) each year for subtidal geoducks farm sites. Permit holders must apply for an interim-use permit (that is specific for each farm site) before they can harvest wild stock on their leased and permitted subtidal farm sites. Permit holders must complete a fish ticket for each farm site at the time of harvest.

Details on the annual cumulative number of wild stock geoducks harvested on each permitted subtidal farm by year between 2006 and 2009 are available:

• Wildstock Geoduck Annual Harvests on Subtidal Aquatic Farm Sites, 2006-2009 — PDF file * (23K)

• Aquatic Farmers Contact Information:Current Aquatic Farmer Listing - PDF file* (35K)
• Permit Information: LEGAL-SIZED and LETTER-SIZED -PDF files* (44K)
• Approve Species By Permit Holder: LEGAL-SIZED and LETTER-SIZED -PDF files* (85K)
• Maps
  • Alaska
    • Aquatic Farms by Culture Method - PDF file* (671K)
  • Southeast Alaska
    • Aquatic Farms by Culture Method - PDF file* (793K)
    • Aquatic Farms by Culture Method, Ketchikan Area - PDF file* (623K)
    • Aquatic Farms by Culture Method, Petersburg-Wrangell-Craig Area - PDF file* (739K)
    • Aquatic Farms by Culture Method, Haines-Sitka Area - PDF file* (744K)
    • Aquatic Farms by Approved Species - PDF file* (788K)
  • Southcentral Alaska
    • Aquatic Farms by Culture Method - PDF file* (765K)
    • Aquatic Farms by Culture Method, Cook Inlet-Seward Area - PDF file* (642K)
    • Aquatic Farms by Culture Method, Prince William Sound Area - PDF file* (680K)
    • Aquatic Farms by Approved Species - PDF file* (756K)
  • Alaska Department of Natural Resources Geospatial Data Clearinghouse
  • Genetic Larval Drift Zones - PDF file* (61K)

• Hatchery and Nurseries List - PDF file* (33K)
  
  
• Hatchery Certification Requirements
  
  ADF&G certification requirements for hatcheries and seed distribution facilities are on Page 30 of the Regional Information Report 5J03-07, Regulation Changes, Policies and Guidelines for Alaska Fish and Shellfish Health and Disease Control (PDF file* - 865K). By Ted Meyers. March 2003. 75 pp.
  
  
• Nursery Certification Requirements.
  

  ADF&G certification requirements for nursery facilities that grow out juveniles are on Page 29 of the Regional Information Report 5J03-07, Regulation Changes, Policies and Guidelines for Alaska Fish and Shellfish Health and Disease Control (PDF file* - 865K). By Ted Meyers. March 2003. 75 pp.

• Mariculture Questions and Answers

To Apply for Aquatic Farm or Hatchery Operation Permit

• Multi-Agency Aquatic Farm and Hatchery Application (link to DNR)
  

  This application can be submitted only during the Aquatic Farm Openings. The next opening is planned for January – April 2009. This Aquatic Farm application packet is designed to help you obtain the authorizations routinely required by the State of Alaska Departments of Natural Resources (DNR), Fish and Game (ADF&G), Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Division of Governmental Coordination (DGC) to site and construct your aquatic farm project. This packet can be used to apply for the following: Aquatic Farm Operation Permit and Special Area Permit (ADF&G), Aquatic Farm site Lease (DNR), Coastal Zone Consistency Certification (COE) and General Permit 91-7.

• Special Area Permit Application — PDF file* (22K)
  

  An additional permit has to be filled out for proposed aquatic farms located in Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area. — PDF file* (98K): Sport Fish Division website.

To Apply for Operation Permit Amendment

• Single-Agency Aquatic Farm Operation Permit Amendment Form — PDF file* (42K)
  

  This form is required to request an amendment to an existing aquatic farm operation permit issued by ADF&G. The completed amendment form is submitted to ADF&G and is used for an amendment that requires a single agency review by ADF&G. This form would be used for requests for modifications to your current operations, gear, equipment, or facilities, adding new species, additions or updates to the operation and development plan(s). Use the Amendment Matrix (PDF file* (12K) as a guide to aid in identifying agency requirements and forms that apply to each type of proposed change of an aquatic farm operation

• Joint Agency Aquatic Farm Amendment Request Form — PDF file* (201K)
  

  This form is required to request an amendment to an existing aquatic farm operation permit (issued by ADF&G) and aquatic farm lease (issued by DNR). The completed amendment form is submitted to DNR Land Mine and Water Aquatic Farm Program Manager and is reviewed and approved by multiple agencies. An amendment request using this form might include modifications of the aquatic farm site footprint (increases or decreases) and significant changes in gear, equipment, and facilities. Use this Amendment Matrix (PDF file* (12K) as a guide to aid in identifying agency requirements and forms that apply to each type of proposed change of an aquatic farm operation.

• Aquatic Farm and Hatchery Operation and Development Plan Form Part A and B - PDF file* (114K)
  

  This form is used to make modifications to the aquatic farm operations and farm production or seed stock goals within the permitted farm boundaries or for additions of new species. This should be attached to the appropriate amendment form. Part A provides a description of your aquatic farm operations over the next 10 years. Part B provides a 10-year schedule of your support facilities, gear types, and anchor systems installations and number of hatchery or nursery seed to be purchased for your operations and projected number of animals, number or pounds, and production sales using the farm gate value of your aquatic farm product. Fill out Part B using optimistic expectation of what is possible within the limits of the permitted farm site and anticipated seed supply. For changes to farm operations only, use Part A Only - PDF file* (53K). For changes to farm production or seed stock goals only, use Part B Only - PDF file* (39K).

To Apply for Operation Permit Renewal

• Aquatic Farm Operation Permit Renewal Application - PDF file* (34K)
  

  This form is used to request a renewal of your operation permit. A $100.00 renewal fee is required (5AAC 41.280) and must be submitted with the completed form. In addition, a new 10-Year Operation and Development Plan - Part A and B for Renewals - PDF file* (101K) is required to be completed and submitted to ADF&G for review (for copy of plan - see below).

• Aquatic Farm and Hatchery Operation and Development Plan Form - Part A and B for Renewals - PDF file* (101K)
  

  This form is used to renew an aquatic farm operation permit for another 10 years. Part A provides a description of your aquatic farm operations over the next 10 years. Part B provides a 10-year schedule of your support facilities, gear types, and anchor systems installations and number of hatchery or nursery seed to be purchased for your operations and projected number of animals, number or pounds, and production sales using the farm gate value of your aquatic farm product. Fill out Part B using optimistic expectation of what is possible within the limits of the permitted farm site and anticipated seed supply.

To Apply for a Transfer to new Permit Holder

• Aquatic Farm Operation Permit Transfer Application - PDF file* (34K)
  

  This form is used to request a transfer of your operation permit to another entity. A $100.00 transfer fee is required (5AAC 41.280) and must be submitted with the completed form. If you are transferring your operation permit and there is a lease, please contact DNR to get a reassignment of the lease.

To Apply for Transport of Shellfish Seed or Acquisition of Brood Stock

• Seed Transport from a Certified Source- PDF file* (22K)
  

  Required for importing, exporting, and moving seed within the State when the seed is from a CERTIFIED source (Sec. 16.40.130, Sec. 16.40.140, Sec. 16.40.150 and 5 AAC 41.070(b)). See EXAMPLE of a completed Seed Transport Application requesting approval to transport shellfish seed from a certified source to a permitted aquatic farm site – PDF file* (130K).List of certified sources available here

• Acquisition and Transport Application - PDF file* (22K)
  

  Required when acquiring and/or transporting brood stock. Required when acquiring and/or transporting wild seed stock that is not from a State certified source (Sec. 16.40.120, Sec. 16.40.130, Sec. 16.40.150 and 5 AAC 41.070(b))

To Apply for Research or Enhancement Project Permit  

• Fish Resource Permit Application - PDF file * (126K) or downloadable Word document
  

  Required of anyone who wants to transport, possess, export from the state, or release into the waters of the state, any live fish. Applicants wishing to export live fish from the state must attach a permit to import from officials of the receiving state. In all cases the project must already have been discussed or approved in another document or permit before an FTP application will be processed. The review take approximately 45 days. Mail/email back to the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Attn: Sara Larsen, P.O. Box 25526, Juneau, AK 99802 -- email: Sara Conrad)

For Annual Reporting 

• Aquatic Farm Operation Permit Annual Report, Operating Year 2009 — PDF file* (131K)
  

  Required each calendar year of operation for all aquatic farm and hatchery operation permit holders (5 AAC 41.270). Mail completed form back to the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Attn: David Petree, P.O. Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811 -- email: David Petree.

• Example of a Completed Annual Report Form — Large PDF file* (10,096K)
  

Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area 

• Special Area Permit Application (for farms located in Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area) — PDF file* (98K) Sport Fish Division website.
  

Interim-Use Permit For Aquatic Farms

• CFEC 2010 Aquatic Farm Permit Application — PDF file* (14.8KB)

  Interim-use permits are issued by Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) each year for subtidal geoduck aquatic farm sites permitted to harvest wild stock geoducks that reside on their aquatic farms. Aquatic Farm Operation Permit holders must apply for an interim-use permit (that is specific for each farm site) before they can harvest wild stock on their permitted subtidal farm sites. Permit holders must complete a fish ticket for each farm site at the time of harvest and imprint the fish ticket with the specific interim-use card issued for the site where harvest occurred. The fish tickets are issued directly to the permit holder. There is a $75.00 fee to apply for an interim-use permit.

Statutes

• Aquatic Farming and Hatchery Permits Statutes (AS 16.40.100-199)
  

Current Regulations

• Aquatic Farm Regulations - ADF&G courtesy copy - (5 AAC 41.200-400) - Effective January 29, 2010) - PDF* File (58K)
• Aquatic Farming Regulations - (5 AAC 41.200-400) - Effective November 25, 2005
  Avaiable from the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) database
  
  Note: The AAC link above will query the Legislative Affair's Folio database for the aquatic farming regulation chapter. The January 29, 2010 regulation changes will be updated shortly. A courtesy copy of the regulations is provided above for your reference. The history of the regulation changes can be found below.

History of Regulation Revisions

• Regulation changes to 5 AAC 41 (Effective January 29, 2010, Register 193) - PDF file* (29K)
  
  These proposed regulations were drafted to address concerns of individuals with subtidal geoduck aquatic farm permits relating to lowering the compensation percentage to the state for allowing harvesting of excess amounts of wild stock harvest that may be on some subtidal farm site leased tidelands, provisions for how to handle security deposits for wild stock restoration, and clarifications on proof of reseeding criteria. Revisions also include corrections to citations, clarifications, management provisions specific to on-bottom culture methods, provisions for marking farm operations, and provisions for shellfish hatchery management plan and report requirements.
  • Explanation in Response to Public Comments — PDF file* (52K)
  • Second Supplemental notice for public hearing — PDF file* (70K)
  • Supplemental notice — PDF file* (57K)
  • Proposed regulation changes — PDF file* (24K)
  • Background Document — PDF file* (28K)
  • Public Hearing Summary, June 10, 2009 — PDF file* (17K)
    For a taped copy of the public hearing testimony on CD contact Board Support Scott Crass, Publications Specialist II, PO Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811, Phone: (907) 465-4046, Fax: (907) 465-6094.
  • 
    
• Regulation changes to 5 AAC 41 (Effective November 25, 2005, Register 176) - PDF file* (26K)
  
  These proposed regulations were drafted to implement House Bill 198.
  • Explanation in Response to Public Comments - PDF file* (32K)
  • Regulations (revisions only): Public Notice Version - PDF file* (91K)
  • Sectional Analysis (Before Public Comments considered.) - PDF file* (20K)
    
    
• Regulation changes to 5 AAC 41 (Effective May 19, 2005) - PDF file* (110K)
• Summary of changes - PDF file* (9K)
  
  

Legislative Bills (Enacted)

• HB 198 - Effective July 1, 2005.
• HB 208 - Effective June 21, 2002. Signed into law under Chapter 81, SLA 2005.

  For additional information see the following document: Over the Counter - PDF file* (127K) - Link to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Farm Program Information (HB 208).

Legal Court Decisions

• Alaska Trademark Shellfish et al. v. State of Alaska et al.
• Supreme Court Ruling —  PDF file* (87K)
• Superior Court Ruling —  PDF file* (856K)

Regulation Review Stakeholder Meetings

• Minutes from Feb 9, 2007 (Geoduck Farmers only) —  PDF file* (309K)
• Minutes from May 23, 2005 (not yet available).
• Minutes from January 29, 2004 —  PDF file* (111K)
• Minutes from January 5, 2004 —  PDF file* (124K)
• Minutes from December 19, 2003 —  PDF file* (92K)
• Minutes from November 11, 2003 —  PDF file* (78K)
  

• Insignificant Harvest Requirements for Current Geoduck Farmers
  (Steps for geoduck aquatic farm permit holders to follow to harvest insignificant nos. of wild stock geoduck from their permitted geoduck farm sites.)

• Tongass Island Geoduck Mortality and Survival Study - PDF file* (531K)
• Oyster and Rock Scallop Growth Study
• Abalone Growth and Reproduction Study
• Chugach Regional Resource Commission (CRRC) Bivalve Enhancement Study
• Suitability of Two Sand Bars Near the Native Village of Eyak
  for the Enhancement of Razor Clams - LARGE PDF file* (1135K)

• Developing a Mariculture business in Alaska - PDF file* (715K)
• Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning: The Alaska Problem - LARGE PDF file* (1,366K)
• Eyak Village Razor Clam Enhancement Study - PDF file* (618K)

• Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
• Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC)
• Department of Natural Resources (ADNR)
• University of Alaska - Alaska Marine Advisory Program

• Aquaculture Network Information Center
• Aquaculture Resources: Alternative Farming System Info Center (USDA)

• Alaska Shellfish Growers Association (ASGA) - link to commercial site
• Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PSGA)

* Adobe Acrobat PDF files require a free viewer available directly from Adobe. Need a hard copy of a publication? Contact CF Publications.