Alaska Online Public Notices #ADL 232886

Proposed amendment for OysterGro oyster-cage farm in Krestof Sound

Alaska is considering a lease amendment for a Pacific oyster farm in Krestof Sound, not soliciting bids to buy goods or services. - Government buyer: State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land & Water (DMLW), Southcentral Regional Land Office, Aquatic Farm Leasing Program. - Applicant/lessee: Sitka Oyster Co. LLC, proposing changes within its existing approximately 182-acre lease near Sitka. - Proposed cultivation system: Replace the authorized grow-out raft convoy with 20 arrays (500 by 500 feet) in five groups, using 480 longlines and up to 24,000 OysterGro floating cages for Pacific oysters. Each cage measures 60 by 36 by 20.5 inches and holds six mesh bag inserts. - Other equipment: 144,000 mesh bag inserts, 140 helical anchors, and 45 Sealite 1000mm mooring buoys. The attachment descriptions differ on anchor holding strength, citing up to 13,000 pounds in one document and 3,000 pounds in another. - Farm support equipment: Two small tendering skiffs, one 65–90-foot tender vessel, one 58-foot commercial fishing support boat, and one underwater drone. Harvesting, sorting, processing, and packaging are planned using vessels and related equipment. - Notable requirements and timing: Gear would be installed incrementally, with full lease utilization targeted by Year 10. Seed must come from ADF&G-approved sources. The amendment would cover the remainder of the existing 10-year lease term; the proposal includes a continuing $32,000 performance guaranty. - Public process: Written comments are requested on the preliminary land-use decision; participation is relevant to preserving eligibility to appeal the final decision.

Description

The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources has issued a preliminary decision on a proposed amendment to Sitka Oyster Co LLC’s aquatic farm lease, ADL 232886. The amendment would change oyster cultivation gear and the site plan within the existing approximately 182-acre lease in Krestof Sound, replacing the authorized raft convoy system with OysterGro floating cages in anchored longline arrays. The notice invites public and agency comments by December 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The proposed lease amendment is for the remainder of the lease term.

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