Aquaculture Permitting on the West Coast
Numerous permits must be obtained to culture marine and anadromous species on the West Coast. The specific permits required vary by project location and the species to be cultured.
For aquaculture in state waters, permits are generally required from state and federal agencies and may include coordination with local tribes. Permits may also be required from local counties. For aquaculture in Federal waters, permits are required from federal agencies and will include coordination with states.
Please contact NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Region Aquaculture Coordinators for additional guidance.
- Washington/Oregon: Scott Anderson at Scott.Anderson@noaa.gov
- California: Diane Windham at Diane.Windham@noaa.gov
Federal/Offshore Permitting
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (Finfish)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (Shellfish)
NOAA Fisheries Seafood Inspection Program
Washington & Oregon Permitting
Washington Shellfish Interagency Permitting Team
Washington Department of Ecology
Washington Department Of Natural Resources
Washington Department Of Health
Washington Department Of Fish & Wildlife
Oregon Department Of Agriculture
California Permitting
California Department of Fish & Wildlife
California Water Resources Control Board
