Ocean Renewable Power files for tidal research permit in Isanotski Strait

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has opened a public comment period on a permit application from Ocean Renewable Power Company to place two tidal research devices in the submerged lands of Isanotski Strait, a remote Alaska Peninsula passage between Bechevin Bay and Ikatan Bay, near the community of False Pass.

Ocean Renewable Power Company filed the application with DNR's Southcentral Regional Land Office, which is processing it under AS 38.05.850, the state land use permit statute. The application is identified as LAS 36048. The public notice was issued June 17, 2026.

The proposed project involves two sites within the submerged lands of Isanotski Strait. A federal technical study previously identified the strait as a site with strong potential for tidal and ocean current energy resources. Ocean Renewable Power Company is headquartered in Portland, Maine, with a field office in Anchorage, and has previously pursued tidal energy permitting in Cook Inlet.

The public comment period allows residents, local governments, and other agencies to raise concerns about potential impacts to existing uses, resources, and the public interest before DNR issues a decision. Readers who wish to participate should consult the full DNR public notice for the comment deadline, submission method, and agency contact information.