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Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has marked a significant milestone for the Alaskan aquaculture industry as he introduced legislation to allow closed system finfish farming within the state. The legislation was introduced as part of efforts to boost food security and economic opportunity within Alaska.
If passed into law, the legislation would authorise the farming of certain species of finfish within inland, closed system bodies of water. However, the legislation contains several conditions which align with the state's previous hard-line position on fish farming. For example, all cultivated fish must be sterile, and all farms must be enclosed within an escape proof barrier. Additionally, the legislation prohibits the farming of salmonids such as pink, chum, sockeye, coho, chinook, and Atlantic salmon.
"This legislation is a continuation of my administration’s efforts to grow Alaska’s food security by creating a new fish farming industry. Alaska can join other regions of the world by raising fish that can be sold and consumed here in Alaska and be available for export. This legislation will yield new jobs, economic growth, and a new food source for all Alaskans," said Governor Dunleavy, in a statement.