Fish Habitat Regulations
Prior Notification/Permit Approval

The Anadromous Fish Act (AS 16.05.871- .901) requires prior notification and permit approval from ADF&G before altering or affecting “the natural flow or bed” of a specified anadromous waterbody. All activities within or across a specified anadromous waterbody require approval from the Habitat Section, including road crossings, gravel removal, mining, water withdrawals, the use of vehicles or equipment in the waterway, stream realignment or diversion, bank stabilization, and the placement, excavation, deposition, or removal of any material. Permitting requirements apply to individuals, commercial entities, government agencies, and other organizations.

The location of specified anadromous waterbodies is contained in the “Catalog of Waters Important for the Spawning Rearing or Migration of Anadromous Fishes.” The Anadromous Waters Catalog is updated annually, and adopted into regulation (5 AAC 95.011) after public review; it is the legal record of known anadromous fish streams in the state.

The Fishway (or Fish Passage Act AS 16.05.841), requires that an individual or government agency notify and obtain authorization from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Habitat Section for activities within or across a stream used by fish if it is determined that such uses or activities could represent an impediment to the efficient passage of resident or anadromous fish.