November 16, 2007

 

US rolls out 10-year plan for marine aquaculture

 

 

The US may be ready for a national marine aquaculture programme after the NOAA, rolled out a plan last month which was two years in the making.

 

The 10-year blueprint was forged after discussions nvolving hundreds of bureaucrats and industry participants.

 

The plan establishes a framework for the development of marine aquaculture on a national scale.

 

One of the aims of the plans would involve replenishing depleted wild stocks of marine species such as cod and haddock in the Northeast and redfish in the Gulf of Mexico.

 

A second aim is to create a commercial marine aquaculture industry that can supplement the nation's food supply.

 

The plan would also involve the creation of a new field organisation on marine aquaculture and calls for a comprehensive regulatory programme that will support sustainable marine aquaculture.

 

Imports account for about 80 percent of the seafood consumed in the US and is worth a total of US$13.4 billion.

 

Shrimps accounted for US$4.1 billion or close to a third of shipments while salmon accounted for US$1.4 billion. Tuna accounted for US$611 million.

 

Government plans to develop offshore aquaculture has been criticized by conservation groups.

 

To obtain funding for such ventures, NOAA's plan would have to fight its way through Congress and overcome resistance from state marine authorities.