Aquaculture

Aquaculture Registration Process

• Aquaculture Registration (PDF)
• Aquaculture Registration Application Form (PDF)
• Licensing details for Aquaculture Registration

Resources for Aquaculture Projects

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Aquaculture Permit Guide - Reference tool for aquaculture in CA

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Guide to Leasing, Permitting and Authorizing Commercial Aquaculture Operations off the California Coast (PDF) - in state or federal waters

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Shellfish Health Laboratory

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Leases

• Regulations for Aquaculture Leasing: State Water Bottoms (PDF)
• New Aquaculture Lease Approval Process Diagram (PDF)
• Public Interest Criteria for Aquaculture Leases (PDF)
• Template for Lease Granting the Exclusive Privilege of Conducting Aquaculture (PDF)
• Regulations for Aquaculture Leases: Proof-of-Use Reports (PDF)

Regulations, Guidelines and Permit Applications

• Aquaculture in Inland Waters of California (PDF)
• Private Stocking of Aquatic Plants and Animals (Non-Commercial) (PDF)
  • Application for Private Stocking Permit (PDF)
• Importation of Live Aquatic Plants, Invertebrates, Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles (PDF)
  • Application for Standard or Long-term Importation Permit (PDF)
• Collection of Wild Broodstock for Use in Aquaculture (PDF)
  • Application for Wild Brood Stock Permit (PDF)
• Crayfish: Take, Sale or Transport for Commercial Purposes (PDF)
• Bait Fish: Capture, Possession, Transportation, and Sale (PDF)
• Farm Fishpond Management in California (PDF)

Aquaculture Reports

• Aquaculture Program Report to the Legislature (2022) (PDF)
• Aquaculture Information Report (AIR) - Status of Commercial Marine Aquaculture in California, May 2020 (PDF)

Meetings

Fish and Game Commission Meeting

• Date: October 8 - 9, 2025
  Time: 9:00 a.m. (Wednesday) and 8:30 a.m. (Thurrsday)
  Location:
  East End Complex Auditorium
  1500 Capitol Avenue
  Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Agenda (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • How to Join the Meeting (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Meeting Documents (PDF)

Aquaculture Development Committee Meeting

• Date: October 23, 2025
  Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Thursday) 
  Location:
  California Poppy Room
  1010 Riverside Parkway
  West Sacramento, CA 95605
  • Agenda

Marine Resources Committee Meeting

• Date: November 5 - 6, 2025
  Time: TBD
  Location: 
  California Natural Resources Headquarters Bldg.
  715 P Street
  Sacramento, CA 95814

Aquaculturists

• List of Aquaculturists (PDF) with locations and products sold (limited to those who elected to be listed)

Aquaculture Matters Blog

Explore the exciting world of California aquaculture through industry profiles, community stories, upcoming events and stunning photos at Aquaculture Matters.