State seeks public comment on oyster farm lease near Ouzinkie

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through June 2, 2026, on a proposed 10-year aquatic farm lease for the City of Ouzinkie to grow Pacific oysters in Balika Cove on Spruce Island.

The lease would cover one acre of state-owned tide and submerged lands about 10.5 nautical miles northeast of Ouzinkie Harbor. The city plans to install a submerged longline culture system to support commercial oyster farming.

The department made a preliminary decision to offer the lease under state aquatic farming laws. The proposed site is located in the southwest quarter of Section 7, Township 26 South, Range 19 West, Seward Meridian.

Written comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on June 2, 2026, to Emily Gettis at [email protected] or mailed to the Division of Mining, Land and Water, Southcentral Regional Land Office, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 900C, Anchorage, AK 99501-3577.

Anyone who wants to appeal the department's final decision must submit written comments during this comment period. Application materials and the preliminary decision are available through the state's online public notice system.

Questions can be directed to Emily Gettis at 907-269-8567. The department will review all comments before making a final decision on the lease.