Aquatic Farm Leasing
2025 Notice of Public Scoping
Photo Credit: DMLW
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The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR, Department) is considering updating the regulations implementing AS 38.05.083 (Aquatic farming and hatchery site leases) relating to aquatic farming and hatchery site leases. The regulations can be found in the Alaska Administrative Code at 11 AAC 63 (Aquatic farmsite permits and leases).
Photo Credit: DMLW
Scoping Period
The Department is undertaking this scoping process to ask the public for their ideas and suggestions before the Department undertakes the task of drafting any specific proposed regulations for public review. Written input must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 20, 2025. If DNR undertakes revisions to these regulations, there will be an additional timeframe to provide comments on the proposed regulations.
The scoping notice can be viewed at the following link:
Public Comments
You may submit information or feedback to DNR:
Division of Mining, Land & Water
Program Support Section
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1070
Anchorage, AK 99501-3579
By email to: dnr.aquaticfarm.regulations@alaska.gov
Written comments must be received by 5:00 PM on March 20, 2025.
Please note that information provided will be subject to inspection, copying, and distribution as public records under Alaska Statute 40.25.110 - 40.25.220. Do not include information that is not appropriate for public consumption.
The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodation to participate in this process, please contact the Division of Mining, Land and Water at 907-334-2683 no later than March 10, 2025, to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.
Public Meeting
DNR hosted a public meeting on March 11, 2025. The meeting included a brief presentation by DNR followed by a question -and-response session with the public. The video is linked below if you would like to watch it.
| Date | March 11, 2025 |
| Time | 4:30 - 6:30 PM |
| Location |
Atwood Conference Center Room 102/104 Robert B. Atwood Building 550 West 7th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 (Google Maps) |
| Parking | Parking is available in the Linny Pacillo Parking Garage across 7th Avenue from the Atwood Building. The entrance to the parking garage in on E Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. Parking in the Linny Pacillo Parking Garage is free with validation for meeting attendees. Metered Parking is also available downtown. |
| Links | View or download meeting recordings or presentation: Aquatic Farm Leasing - 2025 Notice of Public Scoping Power Point Presentation PDF Meeting Video MP4 |
Background Information
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.
The department is now considering updating regulations to implement the statutory changes made in HB 329. Additionally, the department is considering updating the provisions of the commercial use requirement. The current reservation of water regulations are available on the Alaska Legislature's BASIS.
Check back - more information coming soon!