Alaska AOA Process Roadmap

The identification of Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOA) in Alaska state waters is a multi-year planning process, and provides numerous opportunities for public engagement along the way. The Alaska AOA Process Roadmap walks you through each step of the process.

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NOAA has directives to preserve ocean sustainability and facilitate domestic aquaculture in the U.S. through the National Aquaculture Act of 1980, the NOAA Marine Aquaculture Policy, and Executive Order 13921, “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth.” 

 During a 60-day comment period in Fall 2020, Alaska received more letters of support than any other region, including from Governor Mike Dunleavy officially inviting the AOA identification process into Alaska state waters. On June 1, 2023, NOAA announced the beginning of the process to identify AOAs in Alaska state waters, in partnership with the State of Alaska. 

Learn more at our AK AOA Overview webpage.

Spatial Planning

The spatial analysis portion of the AOA identification process is a powerful tool for understanding ocean ecosystems and the interactions of human uses and natural resources aimed at capturing the best available data and extensive public input at various points during the spatial planning process.

Learn more at our AOA Spatial Analysis webpage.

Environmental Review

As part of the AOA Identification process and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region will develop a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), to consider identifying one or more Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) in Alaska state waters. NEPA requires U.S. federal agencies to identify and consider the potential environmental impacts on the human, natural, or cultural environment before making a decision on a proposal. The PEIS will also evaluate the adverse and beneficial effects associated with siting aquaculture in those locations, which could occur through future proposals and project-level review.

AOA Identification

Upon completion of the NEPA environmental review process, one or more AOAs may be identified in a Record of Decision from NOAA Fisheries. AOAs will not be identified until the Record of Decision is signed, if the agency chooses an action alternative.