[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"permit-55":3},{"id":4,"acreageLimit":5,"changesFrom2021":6,"code":7,"commonProjects":8,"effectiveDate":15,"environmentalReview":16,"extension":17,"faq":18,"keyConditions":34,"linearFootLimit":5,"meta":41,"name":45,"pcnTrigger":70,"publicComments":51,"purpose":50,"relatedPermits":71,"seo":72,"shortName":46,"sourceDocumentUrl":68,"statutoryAuthority":47,"stem":73,"whoNeedsThis":52,"__hash__":74},"permits/permits/nwp-55.json",null,"The 2026 reissuance of NWP 55 maintains the same national terms and conditions as the version originally issued in 2021. The Corps reevaluated the permit's criteria and determined that the mandatory pre-construction notification (PCN) for all activities remains a critical safeguard to ensure that new or expanding seaweed farms do not interfere with navigation, marine mammals, or other aquatic resources.\n\nWhile the regulatory text is unchanged, the supporting decision document has been updated to include current environmental baseline data. This includes the most recent national-scale assessments and status reports on marine environments, ensuring that the Corps' determination of 'minimal impact' is supported by the latest ecological science and reflects current usage trends in the emerging seaweed farming industry.","55",[9,10,11,12,13,14],"Installation of a commercial kelp farm using long-lines and anchors","Deployment of floating rafts for red algae cultivation","Construction of an integrated seaweed and oyster mariculture system","Installation of mooring buoys and submerged racks for seaweed research","Deployment of automated sensors and buoy arrays for a mariculture site","Modification of an existing seaweed farm to include bivalve shellfish","2026-03-15","The Corps determined that the reissuance of NWP 55 results in a 'no effect' finding for federally-listed endangered or threatened species and designated critical habitat. This finding is anchored by General Condition 18, which requires project-specific ESA Section 7 consultation if an activity 'might affect' listed resources; no activity is authorized until that process is complete. This is particularly relevant for seaweed farms, which must be evaluated for potential whale entanglement or habitat displacement risks.\n\nCompliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is ensured through General Condition 20. Because every project under NWP 55 requires a PCN, district engineers are able to review each farm's layout for potential impacts to submerged historic properties, such as shipwrecks. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) is protected through site-specific reviews and the application of regional conditions to ensure mooring systems do not damage sensitive seafloor habitats.","json",[19,22,25,28,31],{"q":20,"a":21},"Do I need to submit a PCN for a seaweed farm under NWP 55?","Yes, a Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is mandatory for all activities authorized by NWP 55 before you can begin installation.",{"q":23,"a":24},"Can I grow oysters on my seaweed lines under this permit?","Yes, bivalve shellfish are authorized if they are part of an integrated multi-trophic mariculture system with the seaweed.",{"q":26,"a":27},"What is the acreage limit for NWP 55 seaweed farms?","There is no national numeric acreage limit; however, the district engineer evaluates each project via the PCN to ensure it has minimal environmental and navigational impact.",{"q":29,"a":30},"Does this permit allow for a land-based processing building?","No, NWP 55 only authorizes structures in the water. Land-based facilities would require separate local and/or federal permits.",{"q":32,"a":33},"Can I farm non-native seaweed species?","No, the permit does not authorize the cultivation of a species that is not native to the waterbody unless that species has been previously cultivated there.",[35,36,37,38,39,40],"Authorized only for seaweed and integrated bivalve shellfish activities","Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is mandatory for all activities","Does not authorize the cultivation of non-indigenous species","Does not authorize the construction of artificial islands","Must not interfere with navigation or be located in a federal channel","Structures must be removed when the mariculture activity is finished",{"path":42,"body":43,"title":69},"/permits/nwp-55",{"id":44,"code":7,"name":45,"shortName":46,"statutoryAuthority":47,"acreageLimit":5,"linearFootLimit":5,"pcnTrigger":48,"effectiveDate":15,"purpose":50,"changesFrom2021":6,"environmentalReview":16,"publicComments":51,"whoNeedsThis":52,"commonProjects":53,"keyConditions":54,"faq":55,"relatedPermits":61,"seo":65,"sourceDocumentUrl":68},"nwp-55","Seaweed Mariculture Activities","NWP 55","10",{"type":49},"mandatory","Nationwide Permit 55 authorizes the installation of structures in marine and estuarine waters, including those anchored to the seabed overlying the outer continental shelf, for seaweed mariculture activities. The permit covers the placement of buoys, long-lines, floats, anchors, rafts, racks, and similar equipment necessary for the cultivation of various seaweed species. \n\nThis permit also allows for the inclusion of bivalve shellfish mariculture (such as oysters or mussels) on the same or nearby structures, provided the shellfish production is part of an integrated multi-trophic mariculture system. The scope is limited to the structures themselves and does not authorize discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, nor does it cover land-based support facilities like processing plants.","Public feedback for NWP 55 was generally supportive of the permit's role in fostering the sustainable growth of the blue economy. Some commenters suggested that seaweed mariculture should have a specific acreage limit similar to land-based permits. The Corps responded that because these activities occur in deep navigable waters and are subject to mandatory PCN, district engineers are best positioned to determine appropriate project sizes on a case-by-case basis based on navigational and environmental constraints.\n\nOther commenters expressed concerns regarding the potential for seaweed farms to become marine debris if not properly maintained. The Corps noted that the permit requires structures to be maintained in good condition and that the PCN process allows the Corps to require financial assurance or specific maintenance plans to ensure that abandoned or damaged gear is removed from the water promptly.","Aquaculture entrepreneurs, commercial seaweed farmers, and research institutions developing kelp or algae farms typically use this permit. It is the primary authorization for anyone placing structural arrays in navigable waters for the purpose of harvesting seaweed for food, fertilizer, or biofuel.",[9,10,11,12,13,14],[35,36,37,38,39,40],[56,57,58,59,60],{"q":20,"a":21},{"q":23,"a":24},{"q":26,"a":27},{"q":29,"a":30},{"q":32,"a":33},[62,63,64],"NWP-10","NWP-48","NWP-56",{"title":66,"description":67},"NWP 55: Seaweed Mariculture - 2026 Permit Guide","Nationwide Permit 55 (NWP 55) for commercial seaweed farming and integrated shellfish aquaculture. Mandatory PCN, Section 10 authority, and 2026 rules on Course Clear.","https://cdn.courseclear.io/usace/decision_documents/NWP-55-2026-Final-Decision-Document.pdf","Nwp 55",{"type":49},[62,63,64],{"title":66,"description":67},"permits/nwp-55","m34HVMUtK530ZN9aQoRB7evW-Pnanzh4j5-sRO-I3ps"]