Alaska Offshore Aquaculture Hearing May 21

ata

2010-05-04 10:07:32

Aquaculture Listening Sessions Update

NOAA to Host Anchorage Meeting May 21

Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that it has added a regional aquaculture listening session in Anchorage, Alaska, to be held on May 21, 2010, from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the Adventure Room in the Captain Cook Hotel. This will be the seventh in a series of regional and national listening sessions the agency is conducting to gather broad input on the components of a draft aquaculture policy from interested stakeholders. The listening sessions are an open forum for the public to make recommendations to NOAA officials regarding a new policy that will address all forms of marine aquaculture. For more information on the aquaculture policy development process, go to: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/aquaculture/policy1/.

Comment Period Extended to May 28

NOAA is also extending the deadline for public comment by two weeks to May 28, 2010. Stakeholders can submit comments online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at:

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/aquaculture/policy1/.

ata

2010-05-27 17:35:10

Hi All:

Here is my testimony from last week's hearing in Anchorage. Of course, NOAA gave everyone, all five of us - including the state - roughly 3 minutes to speak to this issue. NOAA intends to develop a new aquaculture policy. That draft will go out for public review. At that time, we will request adequate hearing dates and locations around the country. I will continue our efforts with many groups around the nation, to provide input on Rep. Lois Capps' aquaculture bill (H.R. 4363) and we are getting up to speed to work on Sen. David Vitter's bill, which was introduced this week. Stay tuned...

So as not to create confusion when you read the attached testimony, let me clarify. ATA does not support the farming of finfish in the marine environment. However, we have engaged in discussions with others on a national and international level, because there is motivation in the Administration, and some in Congress, to allow this activity in the EEZ. It is most important to ATA that any venture into offshore aquaculture protect fish, habitat, and fisheries communities. If we do not participate in discussions on key statutes and regulations, ATA fears that our industry's voice won't be heard until too late. We are trying to keep an open mind on shellfish farming, which the fishing industry never opposed in Alaska, but the devil's in the details - what do they want to raise, and where, and can they protect those things important to people who rely on natural resources? As for finfish, that's a pretty tough sell, but we are listening to the other regions that might want to open some area to fish farms. After all, this is a national issue, not just Alaska. ATA strongly supports our state's current ban on fish farming, and am happy to report that the governor does as well.

If you have questions about our position, or simply want more information, please give me a call.

Good fishing!

Dale

ATA