HB 43 : Geoduck Aquatic Farming/Seed Transfer News & Activity

HB 43 : Geoduck Aquatic Farming/Seed Transfer

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:44:51 -0600

Sponsors : Rep. Seaton

An Act relating to aquatic farm permitting involving geoducks and to geoduck seed transfers between certified hatcheries and aquatic farms.

Status : TRANSMITTED TO (S) >> (S) RES : 2009-04-08
Contact : Katie Koester, 465-2689

Mariculture has the potential to diversify the economic base of coastal communities impacted by the changing dynamics of the fishing industry. HB 43 allows this expansion of this clean water industry by permitting geoducks to be farmed subtidally in the Gulf of Alaska even if wild ...

House Passes HB 43 to Allow for Geoduck Farming - Seaton's Bill Helps to Diversify Economic Base of Coastal Communities in AK

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 18:19:08 -0600

Contact : Katie Koester, 465-2689

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.

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."

Representative Seaton Introduces Legislation to Protect Alaska Economy, Revenue, and Environment

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:59:58 -0600

Contact : Katie Koester, 465-2689

Representative Seaton has pre-filed five bills at the start of the 26th Legislature to promote healthy fisheries; to institute a modern tax regime for mining operations; to provide public participation in wastewater discharge permitting; and to heighten legal protection for the state in oil and gas lease disputes.

"I look forward to a productive discussion of these issues during the upcoming session," Representative Seaton said. "These pieces of legislation are aimed at maintaining the vitality of Alaska fisheries; expanding economic opportunities; and ensuring reasonable revenues from extraction of our non-renewable resources. Taken as a whole, these bills represent a proactive approach to keeping Alaska sustainable as we head into our next 50 years."