Americans consume roughly five billion pounds of seafood a year, over 80% of which is imported. Of that, about half is farmed. Domestic aquaculture can be part of a sustainable seafood future, but we need strong national standards for aquaculture before expansion of this industry in the open ocean. Without thoughtful planning and regulation, fish farming can severely threaten ocean ecosystems, wild fish populations and our coastal economies. Ocean Conservancy is advocating for a precautionary national approach with overarching environmental, socio-economic, and liability standards as presented in the National Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2009. Offshore aquaculture is something we need to get right from the start.
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Recent Press Releases and Advisories
- Ocean Conservancy: California Passes SJR18 - State Calls on Federal Government to Develop National Ocean Fish Farming Policy Thursday, May 27, 2010
- Ocean Conservancy: National Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Act Will Protect Ocean Health From Risks of Open Ocean Aquaculture Thursday, December 17, 2009
- Ocean Conservancy Applauds New Ocean Policy Task Force Recommendations for Responsibly Using and Protecting Our Ocean Monday, December 14, 2009
- Ocean Conservancy Files Suit Against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to Prevent Dangerous Fish Farming Plan Tuesday, October 6, 2009
- Ocean Conservancy's Aquaculture Program Director Testifies Before Congress on the Need for National Offshore Aquaculture Standard Wednesday, September 9, 2009
- Failure to Stop Regional Expansion of Industrial Fish Farming in the Gulf of Mexico Only Makes it More Urgent That Congress Act Thursday, September 3, 2009
