Notice of Intent to Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Aquaculture Areas in Alaska
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice sets the stage for evaluating areas in Alaska's state waters that might be suitable for aquaculture projects. It aims to promote American seafood growth by identifying Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) through a thorough environmental impact assessment. Public comments are invited to help shape this planning initiative, which does not, at this stage, authorize any new facilities.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Initiates the process to identify suitable areas for aquaculture in Alaska state waters.
- Invites public comments to shape the environmental impact statement.
- Does not propose or authorize any specific aquaculture projects at this stage.
Obligations
What this law requires
NMFS must prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NOAA Administrative Order 216-6A, and NOAA's Companion Manual
NMFS must conduct a 45-day public scoping period beginning April 13, 2026, and ending May 28, 2026, and consider all written comments received by May 28, 2026
NMFS must hold two virtual public scoping meetings on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (2-3 p.m. Alaska Time) and Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (9-10 a.m. Alaska Time)
NMFS must accept public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal (regulations.gov) using docket number NOAA-NMFS-2023-0113 or by mail to Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator for Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668
NMFS may only identify AOAs after completion of a final PEIS and issuance of a final decision document