This bill amends various sections of Alaska's laws to establish regulations for finfish farming and the sale of finfish farm products. Key changes include the definition of "agricultural facility" and "agricultural operation" to explicitly include aquatic or finfish farming. It introduces a new section for "finfish farm permits," which allows the commissioner to issue triennial permits for qualified applicants to operate finfish farms, with specific conditions regarding the finfish stock that can be used. The bill also outlines the powers and duties of the commissioner related to the regulation of finfish farms, including the authority to adopt regulations governing their operation and to monitor compliance.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to ensure that the Board of Fisheries cannot adopt regulations regarding finfish farms without proper permits and clarifies that certain activities related to finfish farming are exempt from other regulatory chapters. It also specifies that finfish must be triploid and prohibits artificial propagation at finfish farms. The bill aims to protect Alaska's fish and game resources while promoting the economic benefits of finfish farming, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
HB0111A, AM HB 111, introduced 02/21/2025: 09.45.235, 16.05.050, 16.05.251, 37.10.050, 16.40.120, 16.40.130, 16.40.100, 16.40.220, 16.05.930, 16.05.920, 16.05.921, 16.05.330, 16.05.723, 16.10.269, 16.10.265, 16.10.267, 16.40.210, 16.05.080, 16.40.230, 16.43.940, 16.51.180, 16.40.199, 17.20.005, 17.20.017, 17.20.013, 17.20.070, 17.20.200, 17.20.370