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Requesting Information from the Public on Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in Alaska

October 19, 2023

NOAA invites public comment on the identification of study areas, data, and analyses relevant to identifying AOAs in Alaska state waters. Comments are due by December 18, 2023.

Prince William Sound shellfish farm aerial view, boat with lines in the water. Prince William Sound shellfish farm. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

On June 1, 2023, NOAA and partners in the State of Alaska announced plans to identify Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) in Alaska state waters. AOAs are defined geographic areas evaluated through both spatial analysis and National Environmental Policy Act review processes to support multiple commercial aquaculture operations. 

As part of this effort, we are seeking public comments to help identify study areas and data to inform the identification process for AOAs in Alaska state waters. The public comment period is open for 60 days from October 19 to December 18, 2023. 

We will analyze information provided by the public to help determine spaces that are environmentally, socially, and economically appropriate for commercial aquaculture. Finfish farming is prohibited by state law in Alaska state waters; we will only consider marine invertebrates such as shellfish and sea cucumbers, and seaweed farming. 

How to Submit Public Comments 

The public comment period is open for 60 days from October 19 to December 18, 2023. 
They can be submitted by one of the following methods:

Electronic Submission

Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal for NOAA-NMFS-2023-0113. Click on the “Comment” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
 

Mail

Submit written information to: 

Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Attn: Records Office 

P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668

Virtual Listening Sessions

We invite the public to submit oral comment during a virtual listening session:

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 | 9 AM to 11 AM (AKST) Alaska |  1 PM to 3 PM (EST) Eastern Time   

  • Webinar Link 
  • Webinar number: 2764 779 2075
  • Webinar password: 3i33pB4H3dk (34337244 from phones and video systems)
  • Join by phone: +1-415-527-5035 US Toll
  • Access code: 276 477 92075

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | 2 PM to 4 PM (AKST) Alaska |  6 PM to 8 PM (EST) Eastern Time   

  • Webinar Link
  • Webinar number: 2762 549 8053
  • Webinar password: PGs3r3eMQP6 (74737336 from phones and video systems)
  • Join by phone: +1-415-527-5035 US Toll
  • Access code: 276 254 98053
     

More information on the Alaska AOA request for information.

Last updated by Office of Aquaculture on October 20, 2023