Offshore Aquaculture and Florida Sea Grant

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Florida Sea Grant: Fostering Responsible Aquaculture
Offshore Aquaculture and Florida Sea…

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Florida Sea Grant works to educate stakeholders and the public about offshore aquaculture, and the progress, goals, and impacts of its current projects.

NOAA Office of Aquaculture supports the goal of a well-informed public by investing approximately $20 million annually to support aquaculture, research, education, and engagement. Florida Sea Grant manages the resulting Florida-based projects and supports collaborative, multidisciplinary research partnerships involving academia, private industry, and federal partners.

To communicate the current state of knowledge about offshore aquaculture, Florida Sea Grant has partnered with Ocean Era on the Velella Epsilon Project, a pioneering offshore aquaculture project in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. This project will deploy and operate a single, small-scale demonstration fish net pen to collect data to inform policymakers, the public, and fishing industry interests about offshore aquaculture while documenting the process for future applicants to follow.

Florida Sea Grant will work to engage in active public outreach with the goal of educating stakeholders and the wider community about the current state of knowledge of offshore aquaculture including making available pertinent offshore aquaculture information and resources, and the environmental monitoring data from waters surrounding the array.

What is offshore aquaculture?

Offshore aquaculture, also known as open-ocean aquaculture is an emerging approach to fish farming. UF/IFAS and Florida Sea Grant have been conducting research to determine the feasibility of offshore aquaculture of marine finfish in the U.S., particularly in the Gulf of Mexico..

Why is offshore aquaculture important?

As the demand for seafood proteins rise, offshore aquaculture looks to be promising solution that has minimal negative impacts on our environment and oceans.

Literature & Resources

Explore the science-based literature and resources below.

Academics

Marine Cage Culture and the Environment

2013_Price-and-Morris_Marine-Cage-Culture-and-The-Environment-1-pdf

The U.S. has everything required to develop a significant marine finfish aquaculture industry in coastal and open ocean waters including excellent locations, scientific expertise, state-of-the-art technology, innovative equipment and feed manufacturers and willing investors.

The Future of Food from the Sea

Global food demand is rising, and serious questions remain about whether supply can
increase sustainably.

Mapping the Global Potential for Marine Aquaculture

Pages from Genty et al_2017_Mapping the global potential for marine aquaculture

Marine aquaculture presents an opportunity for increasing seafood production in the face of growing demand for marine protein and limited scope for expanding wild fishery harvests. However, the global capacity for increased aquaculture production from the ocean and the relative productivity potential across countries are unknown.

Opportunities for U.S. Marine Finfish Aquaculture

J World Aquaculture Soc - 2021 - Rexroad - Opportunities for U S marine finfish aquaculture

Expanding aquaculture production in the United States affords opportunities to complement fisheries in meeting domestic demand for seafood. This access to safe, affordable, and healthy food choices is provided with minimal impacts on the environment and in concert with the many uses required of our water resources.

Marine Spatial Planning Makes Room for Offshore Aquaculture in Crowded Coastal Waters

Pages from Lester et al. 2018 Nat Comm+SI

Marine spatial planning (MSP) seeks to reduce conflicts and environmental impacts, and promote sustainable use of marine ecosystems. Existing MSP approaches have successfully determined how to achieve target levels of ocean area for particular uses while minimizing costs and impacts, but they do not provide a framework that derives analytical solutions in order to co-ordinate siting of multiple uses while balancing the effects of planning on each sector in the system.

Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Untapped Potential in Need of Smart Policy

Lester_etal_2018_PNAS

The United States had a $14 billion seafood trade deficit in 2016, importing more than 2.5 million tons of edible fishery products, 90% of the value of the seafood Americans eat (1). Half of those seafood imports are from aquaculture (2).

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths, Unfounded Criticisms, and Assumptions

Pages from Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions

Sustainable domestic aquaculture development is a critical component to achieving greater U.S. seafood security in the future, yet detrimental allegations have corrupted public support. A variety of longstanding and inaccurate myths and assumptions directed at offshore aquaculture farming and its regulation have been foisted on the public.

Offshore Aquaculture: Spatial Planning Principles for Sustainable Development

Pages from Gentry et al. - 2017 - Offshore aquaculture Spatial planning principles

Global food demand is rising, and serious questions remain about whether supply can increase sustainably. Land-based expansion is possible but may exacerbate climate change and biodiversity loss, and compromise the delivery of other ecosystem services2–6. As food from the sea represents only 17% of the current production of edible meat, we ask how much food we can expect the ocean to sustainably produce by 2050.

Environmental Performance of Marine Net-Pen Aquaculture in the United States

Pages from Fisheries - 2014 - Rust - Environmental Performance of Marine Net‐Pen Aquaculture in the United States

The United States has a small net-pen salmon industry dating back over 40 years and a nascent net-pen industry for other marine fish. The United States net-pen aquaculture sector has improved its resource efficiency in terms of the amount of fish meal and fish oil used in feeds and reduced its environmental impacts in terms of the mass loading and impact of nutrient discharge on the receiving ecosystem, the incidence and treatment of fish diseases, the use of antibiotics, and the number and impact of fish escapes, while increasing production.

Competitiveness of U.S. Aquaculture Within the Current U.S. Regulatory Framework

Pages from Engle and Stone - 2013 - COMPETITIVENESS OF U.S. AQUACULTURE WITHIN THE CUR

Increased attention has been paid in recent years to both positive and negative effects of increasing numbers of regulations on businesses in the United States. The decline in U.S. aquaculture has been attributed in part to increasing volumes of imports and high feed prices. However, there is increasing concern that the U.S. regulatory environment, as compared to that of international competitors, may also have contributed to this decline.

Aquatic Farmers

10-Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vison

10 Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vision

Sea Grant’s integration of research, outreach and education will be instrumental in creating and applying aquaculture products, tools and services to foster the expansion of a sustainable U.S. marine and Great Lakes aquaculture industry.

Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States

Guide-Permitting-Marine-Aquaculture-United-States-2022_Page_01

This Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States was prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in consultation with the Subcommittee on Aquaculture (SCA) under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

Aquaculture Fishery Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions

GOM AQ FAQs_Page_1

Offshore aquaculture is the rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled environments (e.g., cages or net pens) in federally managed areas of the ocean.

Guidance Document for Leasing Sovereignty Submerged Lands for Marine Finfish Net Pen Aquaculture

BSG EDF Aquaculture Poll - National Report FIN_Page_1

Voters have concerns about the health and environmental impacts of both foreign and domestic aquaculture.

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths, Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions final_Page_01

A variety of tenacious myths critical of marine aquaculture practiced in the United States have persisted for decades2 to be presented as facts to the public and Congress.

Fisheries

10-Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vison

10 Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vision

Sea Grant’s integration of research, outreach and education will be instrumental in creating and applying aquaculture products, tools and services to foster the expansion of a sustainable U.S. marine and Great Lakes aquaculture industry.

Aquaculture Fishery Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions

GOM AQ FAQs_Page_1

Offshore aquaculture is the rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled environments (e.g., cages or net pens) in federally managed areas of the ocean.

Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States

Guide-Permitting-Marine-Aquaculture-United-States-2022_Page_01

This Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States was prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in consultation with the Subcommittee on Aquaculture (SCA) under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths, Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions final_Page_01

A variety of tenacious myths critical of marine aquaculture practiced in the United States have persisted for decades2 to be presented as facts to the public and Congress.

US Offshore Aquaculture Regulation and Development

Upton_CRS_US OA Regulation and Development_2019_Page_01

Regulatory uncertainty has been identified as one of the main barriers to offshore aquaculture development in the United States. Many industry observers have emphasized that congressional action may be necessary to provide statutory authority to develop aquaculture in offshore areas.

General Public

10-Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vison

10 Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vision

Sea Grant’s integration of research, outreach and education will be instrumental in creating and applying aquaculture products, tools and services to foster the expansion of a sustainable U.S. marine and Great Lakes aquaculture industry.

American Voters' Views on Aquaculture

BSG EDF Aquaculture Poll - National Report FIN_Page_1

Voters have concerns about the health and environmental impacts of both foreign and domestic aquaculture.

Florida Sea Grant's Strategic Plan 2018-2023

Florida Sea Grant Strategic Plan 2018-2023 cover

In October 2018, the SCA established the Science Planning Task Force charged with updating the National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture Research 2014–2019 to communicate Federal priorities for research, science, and technology development that will facilitate expansion of domestic aquaculture. The SCA also established a parallel Regulatory Efficiency Task Force charged with developing a new work plan for interagency coordination to improve regulatory efficiency

Aquaculture Fishery Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions

GOM AQ FAQs_Page_1

Offshore aquaculture is the rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled environments (e.g., cages or net pens) in federally managed areas of the ocean.

Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States

Guide-Permitting-Marine-Aquaculture-United-States-2022_Page_01

This Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States was prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in consultation with the Subcommittee on Aquaculture (SCA) under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths, Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions final_Page_01

A variety of tenacious myths critical of marine aquaculture practiced in the United States have persisted for decades2 to be presented as facts to the public and Congress.

Smart Growth in Aquaculture

Smart Growth in Aquaculture_Infographic

Siting of aquaculture operations is the first and most critical consideration to minimize negative impacts of aquaculture operations. It is also a critical factor in determining the profitability of an aquaculture operation. To protect the environment and ensure economic growth, aquaculture operations should be sited in optimal locations based on environmental, economic, and social factors.

Florida Can Lead on Aquaculture

Florida Net Pen Application Guide June 2019_Page_1

Permitting of aquaculture operations in Florida state waters that include net pens and cages must submit the following applications and documentation and adhere to the following regulations. Net pens operating in Florida state waters require a sovereignty submerged land water column lease agreement and an Aquaculture Certificate of Registration.

US Offshore Aquaculture Regulation and Development

Upton_CRS_US OA Regulation and Development_2019_Page_01

Regulatory uncertainty has been identified as one of the main barriers to offshore aquaculture development in the United States. Many industry observers have emphasized that congressional action may be necessary to provide statutory authority to develop aquaculture in offshore areas.

Wegmans: A Simple Guide to Farm-Raised Salmon

Wegmans Brochure_Page_1

Salmon, whether it’s wild-caught or farm-raised, is an excellent way to add heart-healthy omega-3s to your diet.

Government

10-Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vison

10 Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vision

Sea Grant’s integration of research, outreach and education will be instrumental in creating and applying aquaculture products, tools and services to foster the expansion of a sustainable U.S. marine and Great Lakes aquaculture industry.

US Offshore Aquaculture Regulation and Development

Upton_CRS_US OA Regulation and Development_2019_Page_01

Regulatory uncertainty has been identified as one of the main barriers to offshore aquaculture development in the United States. Many industry observers have emphasized that congressional action may be necessary to provide statutory authority to develop aquaculture in offshore areas.

A National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Research

NSTC Subcommittee on Aquaculture Research Plan 2021_Page_01

In October 2018, the SCA established the Science Planning Task Force charged with updating the National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture Research 2014–2019 to communicate Federal priorities for research, science, and technology development that will facilitate expansion of domestic aquaculture. The SCA also established a parallel Regulatory Efficiency Task Force charged with developing a new work plan for interagency coordination to improve regulatory efficiency

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths, Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions final_Page_01

A variety of tenacious myths critical of marine aquaculture practiced in the United States have persisted for decades2 to be presented as facts to the public and Congress.

Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States

Guide-Permitting-Marine-Aquaculture-United-States-2022_Page_01

This Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States was prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in consultation with the Subcommittee on Aquaculture (SCA) under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

Aquaculture Fishery Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions

GOM AQ FAQs_Page_1

Offshore aquaculture is the rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled environments (e.g., cages or net pens) in federally managed areas of the ocean.

Guidance Document for Leasing Sovereignty Submerged Lands for Marine Finfish Net Pen Aquaculture

Florida Net Pen Application Guide June 2019_Page_1

Permitting of aquaculture operations in Florida state waters that include net pens and cages must submit the following applications and documentation and adhere to the following regulations. Net pens operating in Florida state waters require a sovereignty submerged land water column lease agreement and an Aquaculture Certificate of Registration.

Sectoral Insights on the Future of Aquaculture in the US

Aquaculture Sectoral Insights Summary Brief June 2021_Final_Page_01

Meridian Institute and Ocean Strategies have been working collaboratively since the fall of 2020, with support from Builders Initiative, to gain an understanding of the broad range of perspectives on the future of aquaculture in the US.

NGOs

10-Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vison

10 Year NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Vision

Sea Grant’s integration of research, outreach and education will be instrumental in creating and applying aquaculture products, tools and services to foster the expansion of a sustainable U.S. marine and Great Lakes aquaculture industry.

US Offshore Aquaculture Regulation and Development

Upton_CRS_US OA Regulation and Development_2019_Page_01

Regulatory uncertainty has been identified as one of the main barriers to offshore aquaculture development in the United States. Many industry observers have emphasized that congressional action may be necessary to provide statutory authority to develop aquaculture in offshore areas.

A National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Research

NSTC Subcommittee on Aquaculture Research Plan 2021_Page_01

In October 2018, the SCA established the Science Planning Task Force charged with updating the National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture Research 2014–2019 to communicate Federal priorities for research, science, and technology development that will facilitate expansion of domestic aquaculture. The SCA also established a parallel Regulatory Efficiency Task Force charged with developing a new work plan for interagency coordination to improve regulatory efficiency

American Voters' Views on Aquaculture

BSG EDF Aquaculture Poll - National Report FIN_Page_1

Voters have concerns about the health and environmental impacts of both foreign and domestic aquaculture.

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths, Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions final_Page_01

A variety of tenacious myths critical of marine aquaculture practiced in the United States have persisted for decades2 to be presented as facts to the public and Congress.

Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States

Guide-Permitting-Marine-Aquaculture-United-States-2022_Page_01

This Guide to Permitting Marine Aquaculture in the United States was prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in consultation with the Subcommittee on Aquaculture (SCA) under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

Aquaculture Fishery Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions

GOM AQ FAQs_Page_1

Offshore aquaculture is the rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled environments (e.g., cages or net pens) in federally managed areas of the ocean.

Guidance Document for Leasing Sovereignty Submerged Lands for Marine Finfish Net Pen Aquaculture

Florida Net Pen Application Guide June 2019_Page_1

Permitting of aquaculture operations in Florida state waters that include net pens and cages must submit the following applications and documentation and adhere to the following regulations. Net pens operating in Florida state waters require a sovereignty submerged land water column lease agreement and an Aquaculture Certificate of Registration.

Smart Growth in Aquaculture

Smart Growth in Aquaculture_Infographic

Siting of aquaculture operations is the first and most critical consideration to minimize negative impacts of aquaculture operations. It is also a critical factor in determining the profitability of an aquaculture operation. To protect the environment and ensure economic growth, aquaculture operations should be sited in optimal locations based on environmental, economic, and social factors.

Sectoral Insights on the Future of Aquaculture in the US

Aquaculture Sectoral Insights Summary Brief June 2021_Final_Page_01

Meridian Institute and Ocean Strategies have been working collaboratively since the fall of 2020, with support from Builders Initiative, to gain an understanding of the broad range of perspectives on the future of aquaculture in the US.

Restaurant Industry

American Voters' Views on Aquaculture

BSG EDF Aquaculture Poll - National Report FIN_Page_1

Voters have concerns about the health and environmental impacts of both foreign and domestic aquaculture.

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths, Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions

Refuting Marine Aquaculture Myths Unfounded Criticisms and Assumptions final_Page_01

A variety of tenacious myths critical of marine aquaculture practiced in the United States have persisted for decades2 to be presented as facts to the public and Congress.

Aquaculture Fishery Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions

GOM AQ FAQs_Page_1

Offshore aquaculture is the rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled environments (e.g., cages or net pens) in federally managed areas of the ocean.

Wegmans: A Simple Guide to Farm-Raised Salmon

Wegmans Brochure_Page_1

Salmon, whether it’s wild-caught or farm-raised, is an excellent way to add heart-healthy omega-3s to your diet.

Ocean Era Project Timeline

2018

Florida Sea Grant's Okaloosa and Walton Counties Extension Agent, Dr. Laura Tiu became involved in the Velella project.
2018

Dr. Laura Tiu worked with Leroy Creswell to coordinate the 2019 Offshore Aquaculture Workshop in collaboration with Mote Marine Laboratory.
2020/2021

With help from the EEBlue Funds and the 2020 and 2021 HARVEST Internship, an offshore aquaculture display at Mote Aquarium was established.
2022

Currently finishing up the second HARVEST project which includes getting information accessible on the website and hosting stakeholder engagement events.

Contact

Laura Tiu

Extension Agent
Okaloosa and Walton Counties