the future of u.s. aquaculture: can the blue revolution go green? michael sutton center for the...
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The Future of U.S. The Future of U.S. Aquaculture:Aquaculture:
Can the Blue Revolution Go Can the Blue Revolution Go Green?Green?
Michael SuttonCenter for the Future of the Oceans
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Capitol Hill Oceans WeekJune 8, 2005
Six of Top 10 Seafoods Six of Top 10 Seafoods are Farmed to Some are Farmed to Some
ExtentExtent
0.3Scallops
0.5Clams
0.5Tilapia
0.6Crab
0.6Cod
1.1Catfish
1.7Whitefish
2.2Salmon
3.4Canned Tuna
4.0Shrimp
Top 10 U.S. Seafood 2003 (lbs/capita)
H. M. Johnson (2003)
100% Farmed
100% Farmed
41% Farmed
63% Farmed
Most Fish Farming PosesMost Fish Farming PosesNo Threat to the Environment, No Threat to the Environment,
But. . .But. . .
3%1% 4%3%
2%
4%
1%1%1%
Carp48%
Molluscs32%
Marine finfish
Eel
Marine Shrimp
Salmon
Trout
Tilapia
Milkfish
Catfish
Fresh.Crustacea
Carp
Molluscs
FAO 2001
World Production of Farmed Fish: FAO 2001
U.S. Marine Aquaculture U.S. Marine Aquaculture Involves Mostly CarnivoresInvolves Mostly Carnivores
Amberjack Red Snapper Red Drum Cobia
Pacific Threadfin
Halibut Atlantic Cod Haddock
Florida Pompano Summer FlounderMutton SnapperAtlantic Salmon
Some Farmed Species are Some Farmed Species are Good Choices, Others NotGood Choices, Others Not
Environmental Environmental ConcernsConcerns
• Fishmeal in Feeds• Risk of Escapes• Risk of Disease Transfer• Wastes & Pollution• Release of Chemicals• Interactions with Marine
Wildlife• Conflicts with Fisheries and
other ocean uses
Aquaculture is Aquaculture is Changing RapidlyChanging Rapidly
• Advances in feed efficiency
• Closed containment systems
• Offshore net pens• Ecological effects
of scaling up?
The Ocean The Ocean CommissionsCommissions
• Expressed concern over some kinds of fish farming
• Aquaculture must be environmentally responsible
• Develop national standards for fish farming before moving forward
U.S. Aquaculture U.S. Aquaculture LegislationLegislation
• NOAA: Proposed legislation envisions a $5 billion industry (5x increase) by 2025
• Use decommissioned oil rigs as anchors• Giant ocean feedlots would release as much
nitrogen pollution as a city of 17 million• Pollution could equal that of the 10 million
hogs in North Carolina• Bill contains no national standards for
environmentally responsible fish farming
What is What is Missing from the from the NOAA Aquaculture Bill?NOAA Aquaculture Bill?• Tough legal standards for
environmental protection• Process to establish appropriate
sites for fish farms• Transparency and opportunities
for public comment on permits• Clear authority to police facilities
and rescind permits for violations
SB 768 – California’s SB 768 – California’s ApproachApproach
• Requires environmental impact assessment
• No adverse impact on fishing, other uses, wildlife and marine habitats
• Prevent discharge of pollutants• Minimize drug and chemical use• Prevent and report escapes• Restore any damage to the marine
environment• Authority to monitor & inspect facilities• Pay reasonable lease fees
U.S. Commission on U.S. Commission on AquacultureAquaculture
• Could be established by legislation• Purpose: To consider key ecological and
socioeconomic questions• Two-year process modeled after the U.S.
Commission on Ocean Policy• Broad representation of all stakeholders• Report to the Congress and recommend
National Standards for aquaculture
Let’s Not RepeatLet’s Not RepeatMistakes of the PastMistakes of the Past
• Reckless promotion of fisheries resulted in serious consequences
• Like fisheries, offshore fish farming has great potential
• Our challenge: Develop the industry while protecting the oceans
• Pass legislation that promotes aquaculture only with appropriate environmental safeguards