September 30, 2008

Various agencies in California are coming together to debate whether the state should make a concerted move towards aquaculture production.

The Aquarium of the Pacific brought together government agencies, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and other stakeholders this past week to look at solutions for dealing with the looming seafood crisis.

Over two-thirds of the world's wild fish stocks are currently fished at or over sustainable levels, and it is predicted that the entire wild seafood industry could collapse in 50 years unless solutions are sought today.

Jerry Schubel, CEO and session leader of Aquarium of the Pacific said creating California-farmed, environmentally friendly seafood products has the potential to reduce carbon footprint, decrease pressures on wild fish species, reduce importation of seafood and increase state revenues.

During the session, opponents challenged why another state or country should not be the one to solve the problem. However, by the end of the two-day session, there was agreement that California could reap economic benefits while at the same time establishing strict environmental standards for the rest of the nation to follow.

Participants agreed that with proper planning, including placement, control of environmental impacts, monitoring and enforcement, fish could be farmed in a sustainable manner off the coast of Southern California.

The US imports over 70 percent of its seafood. California exceeds the national average with over 80 percent of its seafood coming from abroad, most from Asia. Producing locally farmed seafood could reduce California's carbon footprint on these imports.

Consumers could also rely on a safe and secure supply of fresh sustainable seafood.

California residents also stand to benefit financially. It is estimated that an offshore finfish aquaculture industry in less than one percent of state waters could bring in up to US$1 billion.

Attendees included decision makers from state and federal aquaculture programmes. The Aquarium's session is timely since the state of California is currently developing guidelines pertaining to offshore aquaculture.