News Room Aquaculture

NOAA Aquaculture Policy Puts Future of Fish at Risk

Fails to articulate national Standards; Misplaces fish farming under nation’s fishing laws

Media Contact: Tim McHugh

June 10, 2011

Washington, DC – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its long-awaited National Marine Aquaculture Policy yesterday. NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco vowed in September 2009 to craft a national policy that would guide the agency in its regulation of open-ocean aquaculture in the wake of the agency's widely criticized tacit approval of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's Aquaculture Fishery Management Plan.

Dr. George H. Leonard, Ocean Conservancy's aquaculture program director, made the following statement:

"While February's draft policy was a step in the right direction, this final version is simply not the full suite of national standards we need. NOAA needs to call on Congress to empower the agency with the needed authority to protect our ocean from the well-known environmental risks caused by ocean fish farming. There is currently no guarantee that any new fish farms will be required to meet these guidelines. Unless and until comprehensive new federal legislation that addresses environmental, socioeconomic, and liability concerns is passed, open ocean aquaculture should not proceed in our ocean."

"Inherent in NOAA's new policy is the agency's intention to advance aquaculture under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act, our paramount fishing law. But as any fishermen will tell you, aquaculture is not fishing. The Gulf of Mexico Aquaculture Fishery Management Plan has been widely criticized by conservationists, scientists, fishermen, and members of Congress alike. If NOAA intends to advance that plan as is, the long term viability of wild fish – and fishermen – is at stake.

"Lastly, while NOAA's new policy recognizes some new policy developments, it is blind to others that have huge ramifications for our future seafood supply. NOAA rightly intends to integrate aquaculture with President Obama's National Ocean Policy and coastal and marine spatial planning. But the agency's policy is strangely silent on the current controversy surrounding the Food and Drug Administration's potential approval of the first genetically engineered animal for human consumption – an engineered version of farmed salmon. Given the extreme risk to oceans that genetically engineered fish pose, it is unacceptable that ocean farming of genetically engineered fish is not categorically excluded in the agency's new policy.

"Clearly a national debate is needed on the future of our seafood supply - including what, if any, role should be played by genetically engineered fish and fish farming in the ocean. Binding national standards – that can only emanate from Congress – is what is ultimately needed"

The NOAA policy can be viewed here.

Ocean Conservancy is the world's foremost advocate for the oceans. Through science-based advocacy, research, and public education, we inform, inspire and empower people to speak and act for the oceans. Ocean Conservancy is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific, with support from more than half a million members and volunteers. To learn more about Ocean Conservancy visit www.oceanconservancy.org