July 3, 2007

US would face seafood shortage in 25 years if aquaculture not expanded

The US would face a major seafood shortage in the next 25 years unless new offshore aquaculture legislation is introduced, according to views expressed at a US seafood convention.

The summit was held by the US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez in Washington, D.C, to raise awareness of offshore aquaculture legislation.

A current bill awaiting approval in the Senate would allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration authority to regulate and monitor offshore aquaculture growth along US coasts

The seafood industry leaders gave their assurance that the industry is ready to develop offshore aquaculture to create more seafood choices for American consumers. Gutierrez also added that aquaculture can help preserve the historic ties that fishing communities have to the oceans and created jobs.

However, he warned that a framework that fosters innovation and investment would be needed.

Even as demand for seafood is growing, the US is working to ensure its wild fisheries remain among the most productive and best managed in the world, Gutierrez said.

Still, this meant that international seafood producers have gained an upper hand over US producers and America has had to rely heavily on seafood imports from abroad.

The US hopes to promote offshore aquaculture to close the US$8 billion deficit it spends on seafood and partake in the US$70 billion seafood industry.