Alaska’s fish farming ban could be partly lifted
The US state of Alaska could be about to end its long-standing ban on fish farming – but only within strict limitations.
Legislation introduced by the Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy (pictured, below), would allow fish farming in closed systems – but not salmon farming.
Dunleavy said the relaxation of the 35-year ban will increase food security and economic development for the state.
Alaskan law currently prohibits finfish farming except for private nonprofit salmon hatcheries.
The Republican Governor’s move “…would authorise the Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation, to permit the cultivation and sale of certain finish in inland, closed system bodies of water.”
The proposal would require that any farmed fish would have to be sterile, unable to reproduce if they escape into the wild. Farms would also have to ensure that the fish cannot escape.
Fish farm licences would be granted for three years at a time.
The draft legislation prohibits cultivating pink, chum, sockeye, coho, chinook and Atlantic salmon and requires finfish farms to be enclosed within a natural or artificial escape-proof barrier.
With the exception of salmon, it would allow the farming of “any bony fish belonging to the Osteichthyes class.” This comprises all bony fishes, including farmed species such as tilapia, catfish and carp.
The legislation requires “…that all finfish acquired with a finfish farm permit to be sterilised triploids which are unable to reproduce.”
Governor Dunleavy said: “This legislation is a continuation of my administration’s efforts to grow Alaska’s food security by creating a new fish farming industry.
“Alaska can join other regions of the world by raising fish that can be sold and consumed here in Alaska.”
Fish farms would also be subject to regulation by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and subject to oversight by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
Last week the legislation, in the form of House Bill 111 (HB111) was referred to Alaska’s House Fisheries Committee for consideration.
Local news site The Alaska Beacon reported that the Chair of the Committee, Representative for Kodiak Louise Stutes (Republican) said on Friday that she had not read the Governor’s bill and was unwilling to rule it out immediately, but that “…the proposal would have to overcome her scepticism”.
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