The ISSC works in cooperation with FDA for oversight of shellfish consumer safety. Shellfish producers should be familiar with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) Guide. 

If you are planning to commercially harvest, sell, ship, pack, or shuck molluscan shellfish, this  page has resources to help get you started. Web page is provided by the Division of Environmental Health, Food Safety & Sanitation Program.

This website has links to general information on aquatic farming, applications and forms, regulations,  permitting, operation details, and more. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game issues permits for the construction and operation of aquatic farms and hatcheries that  supply aquatic plant or shellfish seed stocks to aquatic farms. 

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources issues authorizations for the use of tide and submerged land to support aquatic farming activities. The statewide aquatic farming program is jointly administered by three state agencies, including DNR, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Provides information and resources to Alaska's fishermen, processors, and marine-related businesses, including shellfish farmers.

ASMI is a  partnership between the State of Alaska and the Alaska seafood industry that fosters economic development of a renewable natural resource. ASMI is playing a key role in the repositioning of Alaska’s seafood industry as a competitive market-driven food production industry. 

This website contains information on salmon hatcheries from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, including hatchery research, hatchery permit applications, hatchery locations, and more. Alaska has healthy well-managed wild stocks and a robust and healthy hatchery program that was designed to minimize wild stock interactions and enhance fisheries. 

Shellfish farmers can customize a business model or track operations using revenue, sea survival calculations, production costs, processing costs, labor, utilities, miscellaneous fixed costs, equipment, and loan calculator.

The application opening to apply for farming of shellfish and aquatic plants on state-owned tidal and submerged land is scheduled every year. Applications for the next opening are planned to be accepted between January 1 and April 30.

ADEC is responsible for various certifications to protecting public health, including marine toxin screening and shipping shellfish authorization. Their website includes Vibrio information and a list of approved shellfish shippers.

This page, maintained by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, contains links to aquatic farming forms for permits, reporting, and pathological examination submission.

This page contains locations of potential aquatic farm sites and maps of the areas. You can  apply for preauthorized sites through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

University of Arizona researcher Ben Renquist and his coworkers have refined a technique to test fertilized eggs and other living fish parts for high oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during metabolism, using a chemical they trademarked Alamar Blue®. The high oxygen consumers were proven to grow significantly faster, showing promise for improved aquaculture production. 45 min webinar

Information on permits for salmon hatcheries from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Hatchery permits are required for the construction and/or operation of a private nonprofit (PNP) salmon hatchery in Alaska. Hatchery permits specify the species and number of salmon than can be incubated at the hatchery, as well as the number released, release sites, broodstock sources, and other conditions of operation. 

Information on water rights in Alaska and links to a water right application form from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. A water right is a legal right to use surface or groundwater under the Alaska Water Use Act (AS 46.15). Using water without a permit or certificate does not give the user a legal right to use the water.

Information on regulations, permits, and mitigation, and help in navigating the site.

Oyster seeding in Sea Otter Sound, Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.

Growing mussels on a raft with a net.

Growing mussels using a sock.

Shows an example of cash flow on an Alaska mussel farm.

Production techniques: hatchery, upwellers, floating bag nursery, suspension and bottom culture, harvesting and grading, wet storage, oyster festival, diversification, and other farms/East Coast comparisons.

Research and development: oyster GIS system for site selection and farm management, studies on oyster biodeposition, site selection and sustainability, environmental monitoring, development of remote sensing tools for aquaculture.

Kelp long line gear diagrams with measurements, layout, depth, and setup, and gear and crop photos. 

Photos, map, and illustrations showing company history, locations, diversity, products, and industry support. 

Consumption of seaweed food products in North America is growing. Phrases such as "kelp is the new kale" and "kelp, the superfood you should be eating" are appearing with increasing frequency in publications and media. Kelp is a nutritious superfood packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and iodine. The US market size is estimated at $300,000.

Photos and graphs illustrate research results. Presented at the 2015 Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association meeting.

Presentation with photos, graphs, and maps focused on Alaska research, seaweed classification, seaweed industrial products, global production, kelp life cycle, kelp culture, red seaweed culture, and sea lettuce culture. 

Program and abstracts.

Program of events.

Presentation on business concept, management capabilities, corporate structure, operational/production considerations, competitive analysis, marketing plan, financial projections, sales forecasts, cost assessment, and capitalization requirements.

Permitted operations, annual report data, sales and production, seed acquisitions and inventory, seed availability, workforce updates and the future.

Presentation on product price setting showing Alaska oysters as an example.

Presentation features Washington shellfish farms and history, Oregon shellfish aquaculture, California shellfish aquaculture, overview of Pacific oyster culture, bottom culture, ground culture, longline culture, basket transport, and flip bags.

Provides descriptions and examples of the eight major types of ratios used in financial analysis: income, profitability, liquidity, working capital, bankruptcy, long-term analysis, coverage, and leverage.

Over the past decade there has been a shift in oyster consumption patterns that reflects an increasing preference, and a price premium, for single or half-shell market oysters. Washington's shellfish aquaculture industry has responded by increasing intertidal single oyster culture, and especially specialty single oyster culture, primarily in bags made from extruded polyethylene material. 

Ray RaLonde describes the anatomy of a Pacific oyster.

The shellfish industry in Alaska has shown inconsistent growth over the past two decades and remains a niche industry of small farms under five acres. Sales grew by 37% in 2013, but the total value of the industry was $769,145.

A report on  Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation work based on a NOAA grant to spearhead the Alaska Mariculture Initiative to: (1) expand the mariculture stakeholder base, create partnerships, and increase capacity to be effective; and (2) develop a  strategic plan including implementation.

Before shellfish can be grown or harvested for commercial sale, the area must be assessed by DEC to determine that shellfish can be safely grown or harvested.

The Secchi disk is used to measure water quality. Ray RaLonde demonstrates how to use the device.

The Van Dorn bottle is used to obtain water samples at selected depths. Ray RaLonde demonstrates how to use the device.

A summary of requirements for shellstock shipping facilities in Alaska.

Shellfish harvesters in Alaska are required to complete shellfish harvester education training prior to receiving an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Shellfish Harvester Permit, and every two years thereafter.

Photos and characteristics help identify Alaska shellfish.

Littleneck clam study results.

Current lists of approved seed sources within and outside the state of Alaska.

Constant protection with predator exclusion netting can enhance the survival and growth of littleneck clams in Southeast Alaska, and the use of predator exclusion netting can enhance clam production in Alaska mariculture.

The 2013 Census of Aquaculture provides a comprehensive picture of the aquaculture sector nationwide. The aquaculture census collects detailed information relating to production methods, surface water acres and sources, production, sales, point of first sale outlets, and aquaculture distributed for restoration, conservation, enhancement, or recreational purposes.

Seaweeds are a diverse group of large marine macroalgae that are as important to our nearshore coastal marine world as land plants are to our terrestrial world.  These primary producers support other marine life through the production of oxygen, their contribution to marine food webs, and by providing structure and habitat for fish and invertebrates. Historically, coastal peoples have relied on seaweeds for food, minerals, medicine, insulation, fertilizer, and fodder. Today seaweeds are a multibillion dollar industry worldwide, providing food, fertilizers, nutritional supplementation, and valuable phycocolloid extracts including agar, carrageenan, and alginate.

Farming of kelp and other seaweeds is a significant and growing industry worldwide as they are used for food, medicinal products, additives, and bioremediation. Although farming and use of seaweeds has a long history in Asian and European countries, much of the rest of the world is only now recognizing the unique nutritional and health values of seaweeds. In addition to increased worldwide consumption, a recent development is the growing and harvesting of kelp for conversion to biofuels. Research is currently under way to evaluate the economics of these activities, project future demand for algal products, and determine how best to meet increased global demand.

Hundreds of photos of sea animals with short descriptions.

Barbara Morgan, OceansAlaska Marine Science Center,  explains how to grow algae.

Part of a series on how to operate a commercial oyster farm in Alaska.

Part of a series on how to operate a commercial oyster farm in Alaska.

Economic, marketing, product, personal, and site considerations for the would-be aquaculture farmer, by the  Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game FAQs: Oysters can grow very well in cold water if there is abundant, high-quality plankton. Many estuaries in Alaska produce so much high-quality plankton during certain times of the year that Alaska shellfish can match growth achieved by shellfish raised in warmer waters of the Pacific Northwest. Cold, clean water also reduces bacterial contamination, extending shelf life and assuring safety when eating cultured oysters, especially when consumed raw.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game describes steps to getting started as an aquatic farmer.

This how-to publication is for new and experienced farmers. It covers oyster biology, recommended culture techniques, business planning assistance, and guidance for permits and leases. Farmers will also learn about best management practices for cooperatives, site selection, designing site structures, health concerns, processing and marketing, and shipping.

The information in the manual is based on surveys of all active growers in Alaska, particularly about successful husbandry methods. Primary authors are Ray RaLonde, University of Alaska Fairbanks professor and aquaculture specialist; Rodger Painter, shellfish grower and aquaculture researcher/consultant; and Glenn Haight, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.

Select intertidal sites for geoduck farming based on known factors successful for geoduck farming. Stock geoduck clams at each site based on practices developed in Washington and B.C. Determine survivability of farmed geoduck clams. Measure the growth of farmed geoduck clams. Monitor each site for temperature (air and water), integrity of the site, causes of mortality, and environmental changes caused by farming.

Presentation on harmful algal blooms, sources of paralytic shellfish poisoning, Alaska PSP outbreaks, PSP toxin chemistry, testing for PSP, “red tide,” PSP geographic patterns, PSP in geoducks, and shellfish personal harvest risk.

Environmental effects on growth and reproduction of the California red sea cucumber (Parastichopus californicus).

Presentation includes clam markets, clam aquaculture process, site selection, production plan, Tenass Pass and Canoe Lagoon sites, harvests, using predator netting, seeding, and maintaining the farm. 

This journal provides a single location to record environmental, operational, production, and descriptive data about a shellfish farm. It can be printed on waterproof paper to allow recording in the field. 

The Southeast Alaska  geoduck clam fishery has expanded greatly since opening in 1983.  Authors recommend  research on geoduck health and impacts on the geoduck clam population, development of a state-operated hatchery and nursery, more accessible paralytic shellfish poisoning testing, an enhancement program for wild geoducks, adjustment of guideline harvest limits to reflect  needs of  geoduck populations, a new survey and harvest schedule, programs to encourage intertidal farming of geoducks, and research to determine efficacy of management methods in achieving sustainability in the  geoduck clam fishery. 

Shellfish farming in Alaska has grown to a value of about $1 million since 1990. Growers cite seed availability, slow growth rates, labor costs, outdated technology, shipping costs, and harmful algal bloom closures as limiting profitability. There is a huge potential for growth and improvement, with Alaska's vast growing areas and the excellent reputation of Alaska seafood.

For harvesters and dealers, this presentation explains the requirements for permits, vessel and equipment, sanitation, tagging and labeling, temperature control, approved growing area, toxin testing plan, facility conditions, HACCP plans, and shipping.

The goals of the Molluscan Broodstock Program were to improve Pacific and Kumamoto oyster broodstock through selection in order to enhance commercial yields and other desirable traits; establish a broodstock management program for industry for sustainable, long-term improvements in commercial production; and maintain a repository for selected top-performing oyster families.

Presentation explains the importance of measuring temperature for oyster growth, and shows the temperature profile of an estuary, seasonal temperature variation, oyster growout time, and temperature recording instruments. Also addressed are monitoring salinity, salinity recording instruments, measuring water clarity, weather stations, PSP conditions, and measuring plankton.  

Business management encompasses management of the entire business operation and includes production/operations, marketing, and financial management. Financial management is the act of tracking sources and uses of funds, net worth status, and cash flow position. Presentation.

Presentation describes a two year study comparing flip-flop bag oyster culture and floating bag longline culture in Southeast Alaska. The flip-flop bags grew excellent quality oysters at a cost savings.

2011 Alaska Shellfish Festival in Ketchikan.

A shellfish condition index is mathematically derived by including more than one measurement on a shellfish. The index is used as a measure for comparison between two different shellfish or groups of shellfish to some standard.

Presentation shows seeding geoduck spat in suspended trays had better results than wading pools, and a finely sifted substrate may be more desirable.

Presentation describes hot dipping at 130 F to control biofouling at oyster farms. 

Presentation describes the biology of organisms that can foul shellfish aquaculture gear—seaweeds, tunicates, sponges, barnacles, and blue mussels—and how to prevent their growth and clean them out. 

Weathervane, bay, and purple hinge rock scallops are native to Alaska. These slides discuss aquaculture research, collecting seed, sorting, growing out, PSP, product characteristics, attached vs unattached, and density. Purple hinge rock scallop produces large meat.

In May 2009,  a commercial dive vessel harvested geoduck clams at a farm site at Coho Cove, south of Ketchikan. See photos of the clams harvested from Coho Cove and South Sykes farm sites.

Goals: map entire shoreline of Alaska, classify and inventory geological and biological attributes, make imagery and data publicly available.

The Lentz system is a growout system currently being use in Washington state. The system is undergoing a trial study in Alaska. The intent of the Lentz system is to grow a superior quality oyster while utilizing less labor that will enable significant operation cost reduction. This presentation describes a large trial growout study on the Oysters LLC farm owned by Jerry Ryggs near Naukati, Alaska, on the east coast of Prince of Wales Island.

Tumbling and sorting at the oyster farm results in better growth and better product, culls small oysters, controls biofouling, and is faster than hand sorting.

The joint-agency application package has two parts: Part 1 (this section) and Part II, Instructions and Application. Part I provides you with information about the application process, requirements, and guidance for aquatic farm site development and explains how to obtain the authorizations required to site, develop, and operate your aquatic farm. Part II of the package contains the application and instructions. The joint-agency consolidated application helps minimize the paperwork needed to obtain authorizations for an aquatic farm.

Part II of the aquatic farm program contains the joint agency application for an aquatic farm. The aquatic farm application opening is every year from January 1 through April 30.

Review what we know about Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Review what we think we know about Vp. Review historical perspective and management strategies for Vp. Highlight ISSC/FDA Mandatory Vp Control Requirements effective 2008. Review the State's Vp Control Plan. Recap Monitoring Activities to date

Presentation covers multi-agency authorizations, getting assistance, completing and submitting the application, agency preliminary decision, site review, authorization, pre-harvest sale, and state fees.

Presentation on business planning, financial building blocks, balance sheets, assets, liabilities, equity, income, tax, retained earnings, cash flow, liquidity, activity, profitability, writing a business plan, and pro forma.

Post-harvest quality of selected molluscan broodstock Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) raised in Alaska and Washington in October 2009 and June 2010.

Designs and instructional videos, for building upweller systems, including solar-powered.

This publication takes the fisherman or farmer through the needed steps toward direct marketing—writing a business plan, projecting cash flow, and calculating a "variable analysis." Knowing the numbers before entering into direct marketing, or whenever you change your operation, will help you make the right decision. 

Overview of shellfish farming in Alaska after 20 years.

Preliminary results of a project testing two shellfish culture methods on Alaska farms, with the goal of incorporating tested practices on existing farms.

Pictures tell the story of building the gear and setting up the Alaska Gold Oyster Farm in Southeast Alaska.

Writing a business plan can be a time consuming and expensive proposition. Individuals approaching this level of financial and time investment may save money by scoping the idea with a few simple steps. Each of the steps fit nicely into a business plan should you decide to move forward.