Aquatic Farm Leasing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is State funding available?
State funding is not available. Aquaculture loans may be available through the USDA website. You may also contact the Department of Community and Economic Development, Small Business Development for other loan options at (907) 465-2510, or via email at financing@alaska.gov. You can also find more information by visiting their website.
The Alaska Sea Grant is a collaboration between NOAA and the University of Alaska Fairbanks that received federal funding from the National Sea Grant Program. if you're considering starting a mariculture business. The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program at University of Alaska Fairbanks is a good source of technical, marketing, and business planning information.
Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
1007 W. Third, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 274 9691
Where do I create the maps and graphics required for my application?
Each map has a checklist to follow while creating the maps and graphics on Page 8 of the “Application Part 2.” Maps will be accepted in many forms (hand drawn, created in programs such as PowerPoint etc.) but they must include the information from the checklists. Each parcel must be mapped. There is a minimum of 5 maps to submit as part of the application, but more may be submitted as needed to show the necessary information.
The required maps are:
- General Location Map: A small-scale map that shows the surrounding area and farm location in proximity to the nearest community.
- Detailed Location Map: A large-scale map that shows the site in greater detail, with marked farm corners and boundaries.
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Site Plan Map: A zoomed in graphic that shows all the in-water structures and gear being
proposed and the dimensions of the equipment. This map also labels the anadromous streams and areas
of kelp bed and eelgrass in proximity to the proposed location.
- To view kelp beds and eelgrass:
- To view Anadromous Streams, consult The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Regulatory Mapping Data Files
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Cross Sectional Diagram(s): Graphic(s) shoiwing equipment and gear, including boats, anchoring systems and buoys,
in relation to the water depth at low tide to ensure there is enough space for your farm operations.
- Water depths may be viewed at NOAA's Office of Coast Survey External
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Detailed Drawings: Graphics showing the dimension details of the gear and equipment, including anchoring poundage and buoys.
- More information on siting is available at NOAA's Aquaculture Permitting in Alaska page External .
Location maps can be drawn using Alaska Mapper; for help using it, consult its included User Guide, Story Map, or the Public Information Centers.
How do I find coordinates for my farm, and what coordinate format do I use?
One way to retrieve the coordinates for your farm is in Alaska Mapper. Coordinates sould be in the Decimal Degree Minutes (DDM) format. If you retrieved the coordinates in a different format, please use a Coordinate Converter, such as this one by EarthPoint External . Enter in the coordinates, choose "Calc", and use the DDM values calculated as the coordinates in the application.
For example, Degrees in Lat Long of 56.69956', 134.5695' would calculate to a DDM of: 52°41.97360', 134°34.17000'.
You must submit coordinates for each corner of each parcel of your proposal in DDM format.
Can I grow oysters for personal use instead of commercially?
No, personal use or subsistence harvest is not part of the Aquatic Farm Leasing Program. To acquire an Aquatic Farm Lease authorization, the applicant must operate and develop their farm for commercial purposes. In order to maintain your tidal or subtidal land lease with the Department of Natural Resources, you must meet the commercial use requirement of the lease.
Can you tell me in the pre-application meeting if my site will be authorized?
No, the pre-application meeting stage cannot determine if a site is suitable or will be authorized. Our Aquatic Farm Leasing Program staff can review your proposed project location and briefly assess if there are any immediate pre-existing use areas or area conflicts, but a full evaluation of your proposal 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're ready for the formal process.
The 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 you understand what to expect and how to prepare and submit a complete application.
When the application is complete and is in the active adjudication stage, more information about your location may become available during the Agency and Public Notice stages.
Where are ideal locations for an Aquatic Farm?
When an aquatic farm application is submitted, DMLW reviews the proposed site location, evaluates potential environmental and user conflicts, considers input from other agencies, reviews public comments, and issues a decision based on that research.
Because this decision depends on the formal review process, our staff cannot make a determination on if your proposed location is ideal before that process begins.
However, there are many mapping tools available to eliminate locations that are not suitable. NOAA has analyzed and sited Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOA). An AOA is a defined geographic area that has been evaluated to determine its potential suitability for commercial aquaculture. NOAA used a combination of scientific analysis and public engagement to identify areas within the AOA that may be environmentally, socially, and economically appropriate for commercial aquaculture in Alaska.
On February 19, 2026, The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) published an Atlas identifying 77 options (50 to 2,000 acres) for Aquaculture Opportunity Area (AOA) identification across 10 study areas in Gulf of Alaska state waters.
Can I apply for more than one site?
You may apply for as many sites as you wish. However, you must submit a complete application for each site.
A farmsite may have more than one parcel, however, the parcels must be within 3 miles of each other.
Any parcels that are more than 3 miles apart will need a separate application.