(a) A processor, buyer, harvester of aquatic plants, aquatic plant farmer operating under a permit authorized by AS 16.40.100, or a person intending to collect and supply wild stock to such an aquatic farm must obtain a harvest permit issued by the commissioner, or the commissioner's authorized representative, before operating. The permit must include the following provisions:
- (1) the area of operation shall be restricted to one or more fishing districts;
- (2) species to be harvested;
- (3) method of harvest shall be restricted to mechanical cutting or handpicking;
- (4) plants shall be removed from the water at the time of harvesting;
- (5) aquatic plants where used as a substrate for herring spawn may be harvested only as otherwise provided in this title.
- (b) Notwithstanding (a) of this section, outside of the nonsubsistence areas defined in 5 AAC 99.015, a permit is not required for the harvesting of aquatic plants for noncommercial uses.
(In effect before 1988; am 6/2/88, Register 106; am 5/11/90, Register 114; am 8/8/2007, Register 183)