June 21, 2011

Illinois Soybean Association progresses on aquaculture output

Attempts made by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) to generate US aquaculture output in federal waters may have moved closer to fruition last week.

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released national sustainable marine aquaculture policies designed to meet growing seafood demand, create jobs in coastal communities and restore vital ecosystems.

"This is big news for Illinois soy farmers. We have been participating in the dialogue on these policies since September 2009," said Doug Winter, soy farmer from Mill Shoals, Illinois, and ISA director. 

"ISA has been encouraging NOAA to keep the process moving every step of the way.  And while we may not agree with everything in the final document, we consider this a milestone as we hopefully move toward full-scale aquaculture in US federal waters," he continued.

ISA sees the key takeaway of the policies as the plan to implement the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Plan for Aquaculture, which includes the regulatory infrastructure needed for offshore aquaculture development in the Gulf.  Ocean cage aquaculture technology has been extensively tested and shows promise for raising fish on a concentrated soy protein diet.

"We are optimistic that the science and research policies include alternative protein and lipid source evaluation. Soymeal can be used at 10-35% inclusion rates in most marine diets," Winter said.

"When combined with soy protein concentrate, with a crude protein content on par with fishmeal, soy use could be as high as 50% in many fish diets," he said. "Ocean cage technology allows access to better water quality and reduces competition for production space." 

"The completion of this policy removes a self-imposed impediment that has blocked advancement of marine aquaculture in the US for the past two years," Winter reiterated.

"We want to see aquaculture grow and flourish. Economic activity within the industry would be the best driver for economic opportunity for soy farmers, too, and we hope to see that," he added.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is the statewide organisation for Illinois soy growers. The farmers on its board administer soy checkoff funds to support research, promotions and educational programmes designed to increase demand for Illinois soy and administer legislation and membership programmes.