House Passes HB 43 to Allow for Geoduck Farming

(Juneau) - The Alaska State House today passed HB 43 by a vote of 31 to 5. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer, acts to expand the geoduck farming industry in the Gulf of Alaska by allowing them to be farmed subtidally, even if wild geoducks are not present.

This legislation would create more opportunities for economic development in rural Alaska.
~ Rep. Paul Seaton

Currently, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has an informal policy that prevents geoduck seeds produced by the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery to be used anywhere outside southeast Alaska. This legislation would lift those restrictions, allowing the non-mobile filter feeders to be farmed elsewhere in the state, such farms would not conflict commercial, sport, subsistence or personal use fisheries.

"This legislation would create more opportunities for economic development in rural Alaska," Seaton said. "The Geoduck is the highest value clam in existence today with a large market in China and Japan. Despite the recent economic downturn, prices have increased almost a dollar over the past year."

The bill, while opening the farming industry to new business, does not override any Department of Natural Resource lease requirements or Department of Fish and Game permit regulations.

HB 43 now moves to the Alaska State Senate for consideration.