JUNEAU, ALASKA (AP) — Large oyster farms have been proposed for southeast Alaska, marking potential growth in mariculture that a state task force says could be a $100 million industry.
CoastAlaska reports Silver Bay Seafoods has been working on securing a 10-year lease on 182 acres (74 hectares) of seafloor near Sitka.
State agencies are reviewing the application by the seafood company, which has been buying and processing fish at its plant in Sitka for the past decade.
Silver Bay Seafood's proposal is out for public comment through March 1.
Another oyster farm has been proposed on 127 acres (51 hectares) off Prince of Wales Island.
The farm has passed its regulatory review but still needs to post a bond, pay its fees and sign for the lease.
