Ask Marine - Frequently Asked Questions

What would it take to start an aquaculture operation? Is CDFW the primary agency that manages license/lease costs?

aquaculture, land lease, business operation, fish business

You would have to request a state water bottom lease from the California Fish and Game Commission. Since there are no pre-identified lease locations, you would be initially responsible for identifying and proposing a site to conduct the operation. Please take into consideration other resource uses also (e.g., commercial fishing grounds), general uses (e.g., navigational channels), and sensitive natural resources (e.g., eelgrass beds or kelp beds etc.). Once you make some decisions about location and operation, you must make a formal proposal to the California Fish and Game Commission. The process will include an environmental review of the proposed project under the California Environmental Quality Act. Additional permits from the California Coastal Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and California Department of Public Health may also be required.

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Updated on Wed, 05 Jun 2024 by amanda.vandiggelen@wildlife.ca.gov