Hatchery Permitting and Reporting

Hatchery Permits

Hatchery Permits are required for operation of a private nonprofit (PNP) salmon or shellfish (includes invertebrates) hatchery in Alaska. Hatchery permits specify the species and number of creatures than can be incubated at the hatchery, as well as the number released, release sites, broodstock sources, and other conditions of operation. Once they are issued, hatchery permits do not expire, but they may be revoked. Hatchery permits are non-transferable, so if a hatchery is sold or leased, the new operator must apply for a new permit. Hatchery permits may only be issued to private nonprofit corporations.

Application process

PNP Hatchery Permits require an extensive application process and considerable documentation and planning. Assistance in the application process will be provided by the PNP Hatchery Program Coordinator to the extent practicable.

The application process for any species includes:

• an analysis of the possible effects the hatchery would have on fisheries management
• submission of an application providing detailed information on the proposed hatchery
• review of the application by department technical staff
• for salmon hatcheries, regional planning team review of the hatchery's compatibility with the regional salmon plan
• for shellfish hatcheries, federal and state agency and technical expert review
• a public hearing presenting the plans for the proposed hatchery
• commissioner approval or denial of the hatchery permit

PNP Hatchery Permits always carry conditions to protect wild stocks, such as requiring department approval of broodstock sources and release sites, and inspection of salmon before release.

Statutes and Regulations

Alaska statutes on salmon hatcheries: AS16.10.375 – 16.10.480
Alaska statutes on shellfish hatcheries: AS 16.12.010 – 16.12.199
Alaska regulations on hatchery permits: 5 AAC 40.005 – 40.990.
The hatchery permit application procedures are detailed in 5 AAC 40.110 – 40.240.

Current Hatchery Permit Applications

Saint Paul King Crab Hatchery

• On April 28, 2026, the Bering Sea Fisheries Research Foundation (BSFRF) requested a Management Feasibility Analysis (MFA) (PDF 186 kB).
• On July 1, ADF&G completed a Management Feasibility Analysis (completed) (PDF 200 kB).
• On August 17, BSFRF submitted a complete hatchery application, containing:
  • PNP Hatchery Application (PDF 936 kB)
  • Figure 1. Facility Location Map (PDF 431 kB)
  • Appendix 1. Facility and Culture System Plan (PDF 2,604 kB)
  • Appendix 2. Red King Crab Hatchery Manual (PDF 2,932 kB)
  • Appendix 3. AKCRRAB hatchery roles (PDF 48 kB)
• On September 15, 2026 federal and state technical experts commented on the hatchery application during the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (NPFMC) Crab Plan Team meeting. Here is the review and comment (PDF) .
• There will be a public hearing on the hatchery permit
  • Location: K'enakatnu 6 Board Room, Dena'ina Convention Center at 600 West 7th Ave, Anchorage Alaska.
  • Day/time: Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm, or earlier, if adjourned
  • Registration is required if participating virtually. Register here for the NPFMC meeting.
    • Helpful tip, your request is being processed when you receive an email that says, "Registration request received." If you do not receive an email, register again!
  • The agenda will be posted here.
  • The public hearing is open to any member of the public or state or federal agency to raise any specific objection or comment on the hatchery. The applicant and the department staff will be given a chance to respond to any questions directly following each testimony.
  • Written comments are encouraged, should be submitted to dfg.dcf.hatcheries@alaska.gov or mailed to:
    
    Lorna Wilson, PNP Coordinator
    P.O. Box 115526
    Juneau, AK 99811-5526
    
    Written comments will be accepted through November 13, 2026.