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