Aquatic Farming Permits

To engage in aquatic farming activities, persons are required to have the permits listed below. The Mariculture Program staff are available to provide people with technical, regulatory, and planning services related to aquatic farming in Alaska. To learn more about Mariculture and Aquatic Farming in Alaska, please visit the Mariculture and Aquatic farming home page.

Aquatic Farm Operation Permit

To operate an aquatic farm, shellfish nursery, or hatchery in Alaska, a person needs to obtain an Aquatic Farm Operation Permit. An operation permit is issued for a 10-year period with renewal subject to review before being issued for another 10 years. A permit holder can transfer an operation permit to another person, by request, at any time.

Disease-Free Seed Source Certificate

To sell or supply shellfish seed to an aquatic farm or nursery, the hatchery or nursery needs to obtain a Disease-Free Seed Source Certificate. Once issued, these certifications are valid for one to three years depending on the disease history of the site.

Stock Transport Permit

To transfer aquatic farm stock to, from, or between an aquatic farm, hatchery, or nursery site, the permit holder that is receiving the transfer needs to obtain a Stock Transport Permit. A permit holder must submit an application form to the department at least 45 days before date of transfer. Once issued, the permit is valid for the calendar year.

Aquatic Stock Acquisition and Transport Permit

To collect wild stock from outside an aquatic farm site, in order to provide broodstock to a hatchery, the hatchery permit holder must obtain a Aquatic Stock Acquisition and Transport Permit. A permit holder must submit an application form to the department at least 30 days before the proposed acquisition. Once issued, the permit is valid for the calendar year.

Site Suitability Study Permit

To conduct a site suitability study to determine if a particular site is suitable for shellfish mariculture before applying for an Aquatic Farm Operation Permit, a person can obtain a Fish Resource Permit. These permits are limited to one year.