Fishing Industry Groups Debate Over Environmentally Sound and Economically Sustainable Aquaculture – Part 2
That’s also where offshore fish-farming operations could be permitted across hundreds of square miles of deep water. Aside from doing harm to commercial fishing, opponents fear the new industry could spawn disease by spreading pathogens to wild populations, and even shipwreck the Gulf tourism business.
The aquaculture fishery management plan would ban fish farming in some areas. Carrie Simmons, a fisheries biologist at the council, said specified zones including marine reserves, coral reef areas, artificial reef zones, or habitat areas of concern, would be off limits. But beyond that, she said, “any federal waters are open to potential aquaculture.”
Under the plan, raising fish in pens or nets could include all native species now managed by the council in the Gulf. Snapper, grouper, cobia and red drum, among other types, could be raised. The council also is asking NOAA for rules that would allow the raising of highly migratory species, such as tuna.
Of equal concern to commercial fishermen, shipping companies, sports fishermen and others, would be an off-limits aspect. Aquaculture areas would be closed to all vessels except those associated with the venture.
If approved, the process would move quickly. The plan calls for cages, nets or pens to be in place within two years after permits are issued. Fish must be placed in those areas within three years after issuance. Companies also would be allowed to use offshore oil and gas platforms for aquaculture operations.
Over the next 10 years, anywhere from five to 20 aquaculture operations would be permitted.
The total maximum yield allowed would be 64 million pounds of fish annually, with each individual operation limited to 20 percent of the total.
The Ocean Conservancy, a 30-year-old conservation group, has spearheaded efforts to derail the aquaculture permitting. Leonard said the group is “not fundamentally opposed to the concept of ocean aquaculture,” but wants a different approach.
Others also doubt that NOAA or the council have legal authority to regulate the new industry. U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, chairman of Congress’ Committee on Natural Resources, has written NOAA and asked that the aquaculture plan be dropped.
Meanwhile, at the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, staff members believe aquaculture’s time has come. “We’re hoping the council will see that it’s ready for implementation,” Simmons said.
Source: http://www.sunherald.com/201/story/1090224.html