Benefits of Offshore Aquaculture
Report Outlines U.S. Economic Benefits for Seafood Production
Jul 30, 2008
A report commissioned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) claims that planned development of an offshore aquaculture would benefit the citizens of the United States for the next 20 years. Titled Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications & Opportunities, the report was prepared by a group of leading experts in fisheries, economics, and business administration.
In a press release issued to announce the study, Under Secretary Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D. states, "We must make a commitment to the health of our citizens and our economy through safe, sustainable aquaculture. The U.S. has the choice to become an important player in offshore aquaculture to help augment our wild fish products to supply a growing domestic market for healthy seafood. If the U.S. chooses not to become a player, we will continue to import an increasing amount of foreign aquacultured products, leaving the U.S. with diminishing control over how our seafood is produced and without the economic benefits from the jobs, technology and innovation that domestic offshore aquaculture would bring."
The aquaculture report considered the effects of offshore aquaculture in the United States on seafood supply and demand, models developed in other food industry sectors, interactions of farmed and wild fisheries, and economic impacts of the industry on the entire country. Report contributors also addressed the implications of an established domestic industry on global demand for seafood and sustainable uses of the ocean.
Report Findings and Recommendations
Authors of the aquaculture study are proposing a regulatory framework to establish clear rules for the development of the aquaculture industry that would insure protection of the environment and other fisheries. Lack of a national regulatory framework is additionally seen as a barrier to the future growth of this fledging industry.
- Worldwide growth in aquaculture will impact fishermen in the United States whether a domestic industry is developed or not
- Seafood produced by aquaculture has an effect on the prices of wild caught fisheries and development of new markets will determine the ultimate impact to fishermen
- Aquaculture will provide a year-round supply of fresh seafood that will promote growth in local processing and market sectors
- Commercial fishermen will benefit from development of offshore aquaculture through increased work opportunities in vessel operations and maintenance
- Current limits on availability of fish meal for feed are not likely to restrain growth in the aquaculture industry. Alternatives are coming into the market that will replace or supplement fish meal as a feed ingredient
- Technology will improve to support the logistical and environmental needs of aquaculture
- The potential of the aquaculture industry will grow as demand for consistent and safe sources of seafood increase
If impacts to commercial fishermen, environmental concerns, and protection issues for wild fish stocks can be adequately addressed, offshore aquaculture presents a bright potential economic benefit to those living and working on the waterfront. Fish farms in British Columbia have been shown to adversely impact the migration of wild Pink salmon stocks. Aquaculture can impact local water quality and hurt the domestic market for wild caught fish. Successful development of the industry will depend on using sustainable, smart design practices that address the best management of natural resources.
A copy of the aquaculture report can be viewed at the NOAA Aquaculture Program.
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