ADF&G proposes improvement changes.

• Position: Fishing

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is proposing changes to the aquatic farming regulations that will improve opportunities for shellfish farming. The changes are consistent with Gov. Frank Murkowski's plans to expand Alaska's fledgling mariculture industry.

"We have formulated a creative and cooperative plan that removes regulatory stumbling blocks, issues more permits for geoduck clam farm applicants, and maintains important safeguards for conserving these resources and protecting other uses of them," said Kevin C. Duffy, commissioner, ADF&G. "This is a flexible and responsible approach that will encourage the development of geoduck clam and other shellfish mariculture industries."

Duffy...