Offshore Aquaculture

Comment

Comment by Dave Takaki on February 4, 2010 at 9:49am

It's time to push the pedal to the metal. When is our first meeting for our lobbying effort?

Comment by Dave Takaki on October 9, 2009 at 11:49am

The 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill passed through the joint House-Senate Conference today with $1,438,000 to continue funding the Tropical Aquaculture Feeds Program at Oceanic Institute in conjunction with the USDA-ARS Pacific Basin Agriculture Research Center.

The Program's objectives are

Objective 1: Define the nutrient requirements of aquaculture species in the state, especially the Pacific threadfin, longfin amberjack, and Pacific white shrimp.

Objective 2: Identify and test regionally available plant and animal by-products for their nutritional composition and bioavailability in aquaculture feeds, and produce nutritionally complete diets for evaluation.

Objective 3: Test the effectiveness of the produced feeds on commercial scale through collaborations with University and commercial partners.

Comment by Dave Takaki on October 8, 2009 at 6:28pm

1. How can we develop a coordinated program to bring Hawaii coral reef communities back to dynamic balance for secure seafood supplies through the use of protected areas, sanctuaries, managed fisheries and aquaculture?

Coordination implies a coming together (the Latin ‘co’ speaks to a coming together). So we begin with a forum for stakeholders who recognize an issue or problem, but may have differing perspectives.

2. How can we form a cooperative relationship between the aquaculture industry and the Whale Sanctuary to observe the effects of ocean based aquaculture facilities on whale behavior and safety and develop operational protocols for the industry?

First, by letting down our fists. Then by stating respective imperatives, and seeking solutions to perceived competing values. An example would be seeing if utility boats used to service offshore aquaculture operations can be water jet powered. The key is to identify friction, and then seek viable solutions.

3. How can we use fisheries management and aquaculture to bring back the reef communities more effectively?

Perhaps we can follow New Zealand’s experience with marine reserves that function as sources of post-larval recruitment. Then we could enhance by understanding better migration along with the post-larval dynamics. Chemical cueing is an area of inquiry that screams for RFPs. Aquaculture hatcheries could assist by supplying targeted post-larval stock (non-enhanced).

4. How can we site aquaculture operations adjacent to port facilities, which are essential to the developing aquaculture industry, if the port facility lies within the Whale sanctuary?

See #2

5. How do we optimize the value of Hawaii’s marine resources for the betterment of Hawaii’s citizens? (Subsistence, recreational and commercial fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, tourism)

Number Six seems to be a start in a potentially fruitful direction. To reiterate,

a. Start building a database of interaction among marine mammals, coral reef systems, fisheries management and aquaculture upon which to base modeling for future projects.

b. Solidify the participation of each stakeholder group using cooperative planning and carefully monitored progress.

c. Create open communication with stakeholders (present at this meeting) in order to share ideas and information for developing projects and programs to improve coastal resource management.

Comment by Dave Takaki on October 5, 2009 at 6:50am

Perhaps the time is critical for us to consider input and express our vision of the future in federal waters

Comment by Dave Takaki on October 5, 2009 at 6:48am

NOAA to Pursue National Policy for Sustainable Marine Aquaculture

On September 3, 2009, NOAA announced its intent to develop a comprehensive national policy for sustainable marine aquaculture in the coming months, providing a framework for addressing aquaculture activity in federal waters. The national policy also will provide context for the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Regulating Offshore Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico, which took effect on Sept. 3.

“We will develop a national policy that focuses on the protection of ocean resources and marine ecosystems, addresses the fisheries management issues posed by aquaculture, and allows U.S. aquaculture to proceed in a sustainable way,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Administrator.

On 9 September James Balsigerm, Ph.D. Acting Asssistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, TESTIMONY OF JAMES W. BALSIGER, Ph.D..pdf submitted testimony before Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo of the House Natural Resources Committee, Insular Affaris, Oceans, and Wildlife SubCommittee

JAMES W. BALSIGER, Ph.D.
ACTING ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR FISHERIES

Comment by Dave Takaki on October 5, 2009 at 6:42am

In May 2008GAO - Regulating Offshore Aquaculture.pdf The GAO released a paper:

OFFSHORE MARINE AQUACULTURE

Multiple Administrative and Environmental Issues Need to Be Addressed in Establishing a U.S. Regulatory Framework

Comment by Dave Takaki on October 5, 2009 at 6:39am

National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007

In the 110th Congress (2007– 2008) Rep Nick Rahall (D), West Virginia introduced the National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007. It was co-sponsored by nonvoting Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D), Guam. The proposed bill was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee, Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee.

The bill never became law. Hearing were held, but never emerged from sub-committee. The measure died in committee.

Perhaps Congressional initiatives parallel to the above Executive initiative may now become viable regarding Offshore Mariculture.

A summary of the bill and an url to the complete text is attached. Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D), Guam now heads the Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee.

National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007.pdf

Comment by Benny Ron on September 21, 2009 at 3:16pm

london times article 091509.pdf