On June 1, 2023, NOAA announced the beginning of a process to identify Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) in Alaska state waters. NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal
Ocean Science (NCCOS) collaborated with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Alaska to initiate a marine spatial planning process to identify AOA options within Alaska state waters. This effort focused on identifying locations potentially suitable for invertebrate and seaweed aquaculture. Geospatial analyses for identification of AOA options were based on a categorical framework to ensure relevant, comprehensive data acquisition and characterization for spatial suitability modeling. An authoritative spatial data inventory was developed that included data layers relevant to administrative boundaries, national security (i.e., military), navigation and transportation, energy and industry infrastructure, commercial and recreational fishing, existing aquaculture operations, natural and cultural resources, and oceanography. Agency coordination ensured that scoring of layers was reflective of the permitting and public interest review processes. The spatial analysis resulted in identification of 77 AOA options across all Study Areas, which cover a total of 13,031 ac across the ten Study Areas. The Atlas will be used by natural resource managers, industry, regulators, and coastal planners to develop and expand aquaculture in state waters of Alaska while preserving Alaska’s unique natural and cultural resources.