Even though it is readily accepted that the U.S. needs to significantly increase domestic aquaculture production to meet the growing demand for seafood, there is an apparent lack of ac tion in response to this reality largely due to three primary factors: 1) a resistance by commercial fishermen to allowing competition, 2) the persistence of erroneous information promulgated to deter the public from allowing ocean farming and 3) a regulatory permitting process that is restrained by a public review that allows controversy to trump research. To resolve all of these limitations requires intensive stakeholder outreach to ensure that the correct information is properly evaluated over the clamor caused by a very vocal minority of detractors.
For more the 20 years, the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) has worked with regulatory agencies, investors, researchers and the public in an attempt to permit a finfish farm in U.S. federal waters. Outreach to stakeholder groups has been paramount in the approach, and many special interest groups have offered their support while others remain steadfastly opposed. As a research organization, HSWRI approaches the public's concern by providing the best scientific studies available to place into perspective the risks and benefits of marine farming. However, public opposition and the lack of a succinct regulatory pathway has led to a history of application attempts being unsuccessful thereby curbing interest by investors to undertake the permit application process, resulting in missed opportunities for the domestic expansion of sustainable seafood development.
The only way to overcome public reticence to marine farming is through education and outreach. Accordingly, over the years the Institute has worked to educate environmental groups, commercial fishers, the business community, state and local government agencies, the business community, seafood processors and distributors and resource regulatory agencies about the opportunities, risks and mitigation measures surrounding the development of marine farming. It is our hope that using HSWRI's efforts to develop th e nation's first marine finfish farm in f ederal waters as a case study will lead to the further development of sustainable marine farm ing in U.S. coastal and federal waters.