An AOA is a defined geographic area that NOAA has evaluated through both spatial analysis and the programmatic National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and may be environmentally, socially, and economically appropriate to support multiple commercial aquaculture operations. Final suitability will be determined with project-specific details.
This is a multi-year planning process through which we intend to maximize the compatibility of AOAs with other ocean uses while maintaining our commitment to ocean stewardship and our marine resource conservation responsibilities. NOAA has worked extensively with our partners to seek public comment and engage with the public throughout the AOA identification process. This presentation will provide and overview of the engagement process, what feedback was received, and how this shapes NOAA’s efforts to identify AOAs.