Bill > HB329

This bill amends several sections of Alaska state law related to aquatic farming and hatcheries. The key provisions include: 1. Allowing certified hatcheries to transfer geoduck seed to aquatic farms located near the Aleutian Chain or Gulf of Alaska. 2. Allowing the director to renew leases for state tideland or submerged land used for aquatic farming or related hatcheries, with a limit of one renewal for the same term as the initial lease. 3. Authorizing the commissioner to exclude certain state lands from consideration for carbon management leases if it is in the public interest, and requiring the department to provide notice to nearby aquatic farm/hatchery lessees of new carbon management lease applications. 4. Exempting aquatic farming or hatchery operation site leases from mandatory appraisals unless the commissioner determines the site requires an appraisal. 5. Establishing criteria for the approval or denial of aquatic farm/hatchery leases, including consideration of compatibility with traditional/existing uses. 6. Providing a preference for lessees to renew or obtain new leases for their existing aquatic farm/hatchery sites, but not allowing them to purchase the sites.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/33?Root=HB329