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Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Mining, Land and Water
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Division of Mining, Land and Water

Aquatic Farm Leasing
Application Process

Processing Raft and Grow Out Lines in Prince William - decorative banner image

There are different applications associated with an Aquatic Farm Lease authorization by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW):

  • First Time Lease Application:
    • Submitted during the application period - January 1 through April 30 of each year.
  • Amendment Application
    • Lessees can submit modification requests at any time.
  • Renewal Application
    • Submitted 1 year prior to lease expiration.

A 'First Time' Lease Application is the initial request for a 10-year term to operate an aquatic farm on state tide and submerged lands. The application period for first time applications occurs annually - January 1 through April 30. This application period only applies to new farm proposals.

Note that existing lessess with current aquatic farm lease authorizations may submit 'Amendment Applications' at any time, as these are processed year-round. 'Applications for Renewal' must be submitted at least one year prior to the expiration of your lease.

Applicants may wish to review the full process for new Alaska State Aquatic Farm Programs applications PDF .

1 Pre-Application Meeting

A pre-application meeting is an opportunity to learn about the aquatic farm application process, explore important tools and resources, and ask questions about how the different state agencies work together. This meeting is meant to help an applicant understand what to expect and how to prepare and submit a complete application. It is optional, but highly recommended.

Our Aquatic Farm Leasing Program staff is happy to review your proposed project location, but project proposal adjudication and review does not begin at the pre-application stage. A full evaluation of your site only occurs after your application is submitted and deemed complete. The pre-application meeting is simply your chance to get oriented, clarify requirements, and make sure you are ready for the formal process. Contact the Aquatic Farm Leasing Program at dnr.aquaticfarming@alaska.gov.

2 Complete and Submit Joint Agency Application

Alaska Aquatic Farm Program Jount Agency Application - Part 1 PDF

Includes detailed instructions, examples, and guidelines to assist in completing your application.

Alaska Aquatic Farm Program Jount Agency Application - Part 2 PDF

The form to be completed and submitted.

The application is submitted to DNR and the application fee is paid through DNR's Public Information Center (PIC). DNR and ADF&G review the application for completeness, consistency, and clarity. If an application is incomplete, DNR and ADF&G will request additional information. When you receive a request for additional information, you have 30 days to respond with the requested information, per 5 AAC 41.230. Additional information.

3 Agency Review

Once an application has been reviewed by DNR and ADFG and deemed complete, DNR sends the project description to other state and federal agencies for a 20-day Agency Notice and Review Period.

4 DNR Preliminary Decision and Public Notice

After Agency Review, DNR prepares a Preliminary Decision (PD) based on the application, land information, state and federal land management plans, and agency comments. The PD evaluates site suitability and identifies any operational constraints.

The PD and application materials are posted online to the State Online Public Notices Website and sent to the public and agencies for a 30-day Public Notice comment period. The goal of the Public Notice comment period is to notify interested parties of the request and DNR's preliminary recommendation. The Public Notice period is intended to gather more site-specific information so that DNR can make an informed final decision regarding lease authorization.

5 Final Finding and Decision, Appeal Period

Following the end of the 30-day Public Notice of the PD and application, DMLW prepares and issues the Final Finding and Decision (FFD). All comments received during the Public Notice Period are considered and addressed in the FFD. The FFD identifies any changes to the PD as a result of public comment or other additional information received. The FFD is sent to the applicant and those who commented on the PD during the Public Notice period. Those who commented during the 30-day Public Notice Period will be eligible to appeal DMLW's final decision on the proposal. If DMLW denies an aquatic farm lease application, the applicant has the right to appeal the final decision. The appeal period is 20 days. For more details on appeals, please see 11 AAC 02 Appeals.

6 DNR Lease Authorization

If no appeal is received, the decision goes into effect on the 21st day after the FFD is signed. Before a lease is issued, an applicant must submit deliverables. Within one year of the FFD effective date an applicant must provide: the first year's annual payment, insurance, and bonding. Deliverables specific to the project may be required.

Once applicants have submitted deliverables and signed and notarized the lease agreement, a lease to operate an aquatic farm is issued for a 10-year term.

For more information related to other agencies' authorizations, please visit:

decorative image A floating oyster raft. Credit: DMLW

Other DNR Aquatic Farm Lease Authorization Process & Application Information

Amendment Process

Modifications to your aquatic farm lease authorization require an amendment before the updates occur. A modification means any change to the authorized use of state tide and submerged lands in your lease agreement and approved application and development plan. The level of review conducted by DMLW for an amendment depends on the level of change. Significant change requires a new best interest finding. Other changes may only require an official development plan update.

Modifications that require an amendment best interest finding include:

  • Changing the footprint or lease acreage, (ex: adding a parcel, expanding size)
  • Adding or changing infrastructure or different gear types (adding a work raft, adding grow lines and anchoring systems)

Fee for these Amendments: $400

Joint Amendment Request Form PDF

Modifications that require a single-agency amendment or development plan update:

  • Changing the species or number of shellfish or aquatic plants if the change is approved by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
  • Changing the number or type of rearing structures within your lease footprint as long as the change does not increase navigation hazards or interfere with public use.

Fee for these amendments: $160

For assistance determining which amendment process applies to your planned modifications, contact our office at: dnr.aquaticfarming@alaska.gov

Renewal Process

Lessees that are in “good standing” with the State are eligible to renew their lease. Good standing is defined as being in compliance with all provisions of all required authorizations.

If an eligible lessee intends to renew, they must submit a renewal application at least 1 year before the lease expiration date. Renewal applications and intent do not change the scope of operation or development of the aquatic farm; however, an application with the current details of a lease site is required to renew. Lessees in good standing may be eligible to apply for a 20-year term depending on the circumstances of the lease. Renewals are not subject to the States' Best Interest Finding or public notice requirements.

Renewal Application Fee: $280 for a farm of one acre or less; $600 for a farm greater than one acre but no more than three acres; $1,200 for a farm greater than three acres.

Assignment Process

If you wish to assign your lease to another, DMLW's Contract Initiation and Revenue Recovery (CIRR) unit will assist you. Email the aquatic farm program and we will connect you with CIRR. An application with a development plan and environmental risk form that is signed by both parties, assignee and assignor, is required.

  1. Land Use Authorization Assignment Application Form PDF
  2. Make sure the form is filled out by both parties.
  3. Pay the Assignment fee of $160.00 by check or credit card (see notes on checks below).
  4. Deliverables and documents required from the assignor:
    • If applicable, current permits from other agencies
    • Copy of written agreement or letter between the Assignor and Assignee confirming consent and confirmation of the transfer
  5. Deliverables and documents required from the assignee:
    • Current Alaska business license
    • Current insurance documents - Commercial General Liability with the State of Alaska listed as an additional named insured with minimum coverage limits and/or Workers Compensation
    • A Performance Guaranty
    • Development plan, which must match the current accepted authorization development plan that is under lease with DNR
    • A completed Environmental Risk Questionnaire PDF

Checks should be made out to the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources. Mail in the check our office: When sending a check, include the “ADL” number associated with your file, and note that the payment is going toward an aquatic farm lease assignment application.

State of Alaska, DNR
ATTN: Aquatic Farm Leasing Program
550 W. 7th Ave Suite 900C
Anchorage, AK 99501

Credit card payments can be taken over the phone by Public Information Center: (907) 269-8400.

Pay online through DNR's Credit Card Payments system
decorative image An oyster processing raft (with floatplane). Credit: DMLW
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