Aquatic Farm Leasing
Latest News in Alaska Aquaculture
Photo Credit: DMLW
NOAA Alaska AOA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is developing the Alaska Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOA), an ongoing effort to identify coastal locations in Alaska that may be environmentally, socially, and economically suitable for aquaculture and aquatic farm operations. As of July 2026, the AOA process remains in the identification and analysis stage — NOAA is conducting spatial mapping, public engagement, and environmental reviews, and no final AOA designations have been made. However, several tools and resources are already available.
For tools and more information on the Alaska AOA, visit:
2026 Alaska Oyster Growers Manual
Alaska Sea Grant has released “The New Alaska Oyster Growers Manual (2026).” The manual provides updated, practical guidance for current and prospective oyster farmers, and offers the most current recommendations on site selection, farm design, operations, and environmental stewardship in Alaska. This publication builds on the work of The Alaska Oyster Growers Manual (2012) by Ray Ralonde of the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program and Rodger Painter of the Alaskan Shellfish Growers Association, based on their combined half century of experience in Alaska aquaculture.
For more information on the 2026 New Alaska Oyster Growers Manual, or the University of Fairbanks Alaska Sea Grant, visit:
2024 Legislative Updates to Aquatic Farm Program
On October 9, 2024, House Bill 329 was signed into law by the governor (Chapter 31, Session Law of Alaska 2024) and became effective on November 20, 2024. The bill related to state tideland leases, geoduck seed transfers, and aquatic farming or related hatchery operation site leases.
The enrolled version of HB 329 can be viewed on the Alaska Legislature's website PDF .
The legislative history of HB 329 can also be viewed on the Alaska Legislature's website.