Opinion ID: 2509091
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Operation Permits

Text: Alaska Statute 16.40.100 describes the first kind of permit, an operation permit, providing, A person may not, without a permit from the commissioner, construct or operate... an aquatic farm. [15] An operation permit issued under this section allows aquatic farmers to acquire and sell stock and aquatic farm products that are used or reared at the hatchery or aquatic farm. [16] The act assigns precise meanings to the terms aquatic farm product and stock: aquatic farm product means an aquatic plant or shellfish, or part of an aquatic plant or shellfish, that is propagated, farmed, or cultivated in an aquatic farm and sold or offered for sale; .... stock means live aquatic plants or shellfish acquired, collected, possessed, or intended for use by a hatchery or aquatic farm for the purpose of further growth or propagation. [17] In deciding whether to issue an operation permit under section .100, the department must consider four criteria: (1) the physical and biological characteristics of the proposed farm or hatchery location must be suitable for the farming or the shellfish or aquatic plant proposed; (2) the proposed farm or hatchery may not require significant alterations in traditional fisheries or other existing uses of fish and wildlife resources; (3) the proposed farm or hatchery may not significantly affect fisheries, wildlife, or their habitats in an adverse manner; and (4) the proposed farm or hatchery plans and staffing plans must demonstrate technical and operational feasibility. [18]