Aquaculture

The CDFW Aquaculture Program oversees California’s diverse aquaculture industry. Through policies and regulations, CDFW and the Fish and Game Commission balance the protection of natural resources and the development of sustainable commercial aquaculture.

Aquaculture Registration Process

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

Resources for Aquaculture Projects

	Aquaculture Permit Guide - Reference tool for aquaculture in CA(external link)
	Guide to Leasing, Permitting and Authorizing Commercial Aquaculture Operations off the California Coast (PDF)(external link) - in state or federal waters
	Shellfish Health Laboratory
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### Leases
* Regulations for Aquaculture Leasing: State Water Bottoms (PDF)(external link)
* New Aquaculture Lease Approval Process Diagram (PDF)(external link)
* Public Interest Criteria for Aquaculture Leases (PDF)(external link)
* Template for Lease Granting the Exclusive Privilege of Conducting Aquaculture (PDF)(external link)
* Regulations for Aquaculture Leases: Proof-of-Use Reports (PDF)(external link)

Regulations, Guidelines and Permit Applications

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

Aquaculture Reports

• Proof of Use Summary Report (2025) (PDF)(external link)
• Aquaculture Program Report to the Legislature (2022) (PDF)(external link)
• Aquaculture Information Report (AIR) - Status of Commercial Marine Aquaculture in California, May 2020 (PDF)(external link)

Meetings

Aquaculture Development Committee Meeting

Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Webinar
Agenda(external link)

Fish and Game Commission

• Date: July 17-18, 2026
  Time: TBD
  Location:
  California Natural Resources Headquarters
  715 P Street, Second Floor
  Sacramento, CA 95814
  Links coming soon:
  • Agenda (PDF)
  • How to Join the Meeting (PDF)
  • Meeting Documents (PDF)

Marine Resources Committee

• Date: July 16, 2026
  Time: TBD (Thursday)
  Location:
  California Natural Resources Headquarters Building
  715 P Street, Second Floor
  Sacramento, CA 95814

• Coming Soon - Agenda (PDF)(external link)

• Aquaculturists

• List of Aquaculturists (PDF)(external link) 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(external link).

Contact

State Aquaculture Coordinator
(916) 376-1650 | Aquaculturecoord@wildlife.ca.gov Marine-specific inquiries:MarineAquaculture@wildlife.ca.gov
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