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.
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.
