New NOAA atlas identifies potential aquaculture sites in Alaska

The USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a new atlas identifying 77 sites in the Gulf of Alaska that it has determined could support shellfish and seaweed farming.

The newly-named "aquaculture opportunity areas" range in size from 50 to 2,000 acres, and were selected based on NOAA scientific analysis, which the federal agency said was also subject to review by hundreds of local, state and federal organisations, alongside a peer review process. The work was led by NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and the state of Alaska.

“Americans should have access to safe, healthy, locally produced seafood,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA administrator, in a press release announcing the publication. “This atlas is a powerful source of coastal data, maps and analysis that will inform aquaculture development in the state of Alaska and reduce America's reliance on seafood imports.”

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, who has previously argued for greater development of mariculture in the state, reiterated this position: “Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the nation combined, and we should be using that resource to its full potential,” he said. “This atlas helps identify where aquaculture makes sense in our state waters. It will support creating new job opportunities, strengthen food security for Alaskans, and add to Alaska’s already tremendous seafood industry.”

NOAA noted the atlas "seeks to minimize conflict with other ocean uses and the surrounding ecosystem," and said it had specifically prioritised protecting wild-harvest fisheries, while at the same time "making use of existing industry infrastructure, such as docks, processing facilities and transportation routes to create new sustainable economic opportunities."

NOAA also said that identifying potential areas does not in itself authorise aquaculture development. Prospective shellfish and seaweed farmers would still need to go through state and federal permitting processes before construction of facilities and farming operations could go ahead.

The agency added that it would continue working with regional fishery management councils, marine fisheries commissions, states, Tribal Councils and other stakeholders to assess aquaculture opportunity areas in more detail.