Description
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, is proposing to offer a 10-year aquatic farm lease to Pacific Kelp Company, Inc. The lease would authorize the installation of a submerged longline culture system for commercial growth and harvest of four species of kelp. The proposed lease consists of 100 acres of state-owned tide and submerged lands within Felice Strait, northwest of Cat Island, and northeast of Duke Island. The public and agencies are invited to review and comment on this proposed project. Key aspects of the project include:
• Cultivation of Giant Kelp (Macrocystis Pyrifera) and other kelp species
• Installation of a submerged longline culture system
• Harvesting of kelp up to 4 times per year
• No support facilities or personnel housing on state-owned lands
• Storage of equipment and gear on private property near Ketchikan
The project aims to promote the sustainable growth and harvest of kelp, while minimizing environmental impacts.