Code of Massachusetts Regulations
322 CMR - Division of Marine Fisheries
Title 322 CMR 15.00 - Management Of Marine Aquaculture
Section 15.06 - Site Review

Universal Citation: 322 MA Code of Regs 322.15

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) Applications for open-water aquaculture permits will be reviewed by the Division and cooperating agencies to determine if adverse impacts are likely to occur at the proposed site as a result of the operation of the permit. Topics for evaluation include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) Water quality and hydrology;

(b) Exposure/suitability of proposed structures;

(c) Shellfish habitat and growing area classification;

(d) Benthic habitat conditions;

(e) Submerged aquatic vegetation;

(f) Endangered species/marine mammals;

(g) Competing uses of the area;

(h) Wild fisheries;

(i) Navigation;

(j) Access to site.

(2) New Operations. Before making application for an aquaculture permit for a new operation or facility, the following steps are required by the applicant:

(a) Contact the Aquaculture Program Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural Resources to obtain the following:
(1) Aquaculture Operation Description Form

(2) MA Aquaculture Permits Guidance Document

(b) In consultation with the Aquaculture Program Coordinator, determine if a pre-application meeting is necessary with appropriate state and federal agencies.

(c) Exception. Applicants for town-issued shellfish aquaculture permits are not required to follow (a) and (b), and should follow local application procedures.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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