A new guide, Information for Shellfish Growers, was recently released by the Interagency Working Group on Aquaculture to help navigate the shellfish aquaculture permit process in the United States. The guide is designed to help shellfish farmers understand the main types of leases, permits, or other forms of authorization needed for a commercial shellfish farm. The guide also includes links to additional sources of information and contacts who can help growers identify the specific requirements for their respective state or region. You can access the guide here.The National Shellfish Initiative, established by NOAA in 2011, and the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan call for bolstering shellfish populations in our nation’s waters through commercial aquaculture production and restoration activities. Priorities include improving coordination among federal, state and local agencies and clarifying the permitting process for shellfish growers. This guide was developed by the IWG-A Regulatory Task Force in response to the needs of the shellfish industry and to address these priorities.
