Shellfish Aquaculture Permits in Oregon Step 2: Apply for a Shellfish Plat Lease

Apply for a Shellfish Plat Lease

In Oregon, shellfish aquaculture is an agricultural activity subject to the regulatory authority of the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). To cultivate shellfish on state-owned tidelands, you need a plat lease from ODA. Contact the Food Safety Program at 503-986-4721 to set up a pre-application meeting with ODA, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development.

After the meeting, ODA will give you a plat application packet and instructions. For additional information about the plat leasing process, visit the Shellfish Plat Leasing webpage. If your project is not on state-owned tidelands, this step does not apply.

Shellfish leases on state-owned lands in effect after June 1, 1997 only allow for the cultivation of oysters. If a lease is in effect on or before June 1, 1997, the lease holder may apply to cultivate oysters, clams, or mussels (ORS 622.250).

As noted in Step 1, the majority of commercial shellfish growing areas are owned by the State, with some exceptions. To cultivate shellfish on tidelands not owned by the State, you need signed documentation from the landowner allowing you to farm. Contact the appropriate planning and development agency within that county to determine land ownership.

Permitting Steps

• Step 1: Scope Your Site
• Step 2: Apply for a Shellfish Plat Lease*
• Step 3: Choose Your Federal Permit Application
• Step 4: Local Government Review
• Step 5: Federal Regulatory Agency Permits and Approvals
• Step 6: Removal-Fill Permit*
• Step 7: Commercial Shellfish Food Safety Licenses
• Step 8: Mariculture Transport Permit

Contact

Teri King
Regional Aquaculture Coordinator - Oregon and Washington
West Coast Region
Office: (360) 999-7571
teri.king@noaa.gov