June 26, 2024

 

Poll shows 76% of US voters support sustainable open ocean aquaculture

A new poll released by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) revealed that 76% of US voters support expanding open ocean aquaculture in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner, SeafoodSource reported.

 

"The findings give us greater clarity on the concerns and information voters need about aquaculture before they feel comfortable showing support for it," said Kate Bonzon, EDF vice president of Climate Resilient Fisheries and Oceans. "The US should follow the science and invest in the research necessary to ensure open ocean aquaculture is done right from the start."

 

Additionally, 82% of surveyed voters agreed that research can help ensure the safety of the seafood we consume. Participants expressed concerns over the economy and the cost of living, which they believe could be alleviated by aquaculture, according to EDF.

 

"The US could set a high bar for aquaculture sustainability standards, much like they have done for fisheries management, and it is clear that voters want to see research as the foundation for these standards," Bonzon added. "Leading with science puts the US in a better position to meet consumer demand, support local economies and livelihoods, complement our fisheries, and produce low-carbon food."

 

The survey, conducted by Global Strategy Group, polled 800 registered voters and has a margin of error of 3.5%, according to EDF.

 

The nonprofit conservation group suggests that the poll's results support the aims of the Science-based Equitable Aquaculture Food (SEAfood) Act – proposed legislation endorsed by EDF. If passed, the bill would establish an offshore aquaculture assessment programme, require government reports on offshore aquaculture regulation, and create a grant program under NOAA Fisheries to support minority-serving educational institutions in building aquaculture centres of excellence.

 

In May, the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA) went to Washington, DC, to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the SEAfood Act.

 

However, the legislation faces opposition from groups opposed to offshore finfish aquaculture, such as Don't Cage Our Oceans, which argues that the practice allows chemicals, diseases, and untreated waste to flow into the open ocean where it poses harms to wildlife, fishing, and coastal communities.

 

"We can all agree that everyone deserves access to fresh, local, and healthy seafood, but this so-called SEAfood Act flies in the face of this goal," said Don't Cage Our Oceans legislative director James Mitchell after the bill was introduced last fall. "The harmful provisions would put local businesses at a disadvantage while encouraging big corporations to construct risky trial facilities without proper oversight to safeguard against environmental disaster."

 

-      SeafoodSource