Starting an aquaculture farm is a complicated process. Future farmers need to select species and gear, create a business plan, acquire space, and consider and mitigate environmental impacts. They also need to secure permits.
Growers looking to operate in the federal and state waters along the West Coast generally need to acquire permits from local, state, and federal agencies and coordinate with local Tribes. These permits help ensure farmed seafood is healthy, safe, and environmentally sustainable. However, acquiring necessary permits can be a major challenge for potential farmers.
NOAA has developed resources aimed at helping West Coast growers obtain their permits and get their farms in the water.
Guide to Shellfish Aquaculture Permits in Oregon
This guide provides in-depth information about the steps that may be needed to permit shellfish aquaculture projects in Oregon. It outlines when permits are needed and from which local, state, federal agencies, and when tribal consultation is appropriate. This resource provides a clear pathway through the often-complex regulatory landscape.
Guide to Shellfish Aquaculture Permits in Washington
This guide is geared toward people wanting to learn about permitting oysters, mussels, clams, or geoduck farms in Washington state. It walks through the eight steps that may be needed to obtain necessary permits, as well as which permits may be necessary from different local, state, and federal agencies. There are also resources to assist in leasing of state-owned aquatic tidelands.
Guide to Leasing, Permitting, and Authorizing Commercial Aquaculture Operations off the California Coast
This guide assists individuals or groups seeking information about permitting and other requirements for new commercial aquaculture projects. It also provides guidance on the expansion of existing aquaculture operations in state or federal waters off the coast of California. These resources, for both state and federal waters, help potential farmers chart the course for success.
Regional Aquaculture Coordinators
Our regional aquaculture coordinators are here to help aquaculture growers, serving as liaisons between industry, academia, NOAA, and other state, tribal, and federal entities. They are important resources for current and prospective aquaculture farmers.
Our regional aquaculture coordinators work in all regions of the United States. On the West Coast, we have one coordinator serving California and another serving Washington and Oregon.
Contact your regional aquaculture coordinator
More Resources on Aquaculture Permitting
- Washington, Oregon and California Aquaculture Resources and Permitting Information
- Aquaculture Permitting in Alaska
- Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States (2022)
- Offshore Aquaculture Permitting Guide
