This bill amends various sections of Alaska's statutes to establish regulations for finfish farming and the associated products. Key changes include the definition of "agricultural facility" and "agricultural operation" to explicitly include aquatic or finfish farming. It introduces a new permit system for finfish farms, requiring operators to obtain a triennial finfish farm permit to cultivate finfish commercially. The bill specifies that all finfish at these farms must be triploid, meaning they are sterile, and prohibits the artificial propagation of finfish. Additionally, it outlines the powers and duties of the commissioner regarding the regulation of finfish farms, including the ability to adopt necessary regulations and monitor compliance.

The bill also updates existing laws to reflect the new finfish farming regulations, including the addition of finfish farm permits to the list of activities exempt from certain regulations. It clarifies that the Board of Fisheries cannot adopt regulations regarding finfish farms without specific provisions. Furthermore, it amends definitions related to finfish and finfish farm products, ensuring that these terms are clearly defined within the context of the law. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
SB0108A, AM SB 108, introduced 02/24/2025: 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