November 25, 2024

 

NOAA proposes aquaculture opportunity areas in southern California and Gulf of Mexico

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), a US federal agency, has identified 14 potential locations along southern California's coast and in the Gulf of Mexico for establishing Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs).

 

These areas have been evaluated for their suitability for future aquaculture development.

 

"With climate change posing risks to America's food security, aquaculture offers a pathway to grow climate resilience," NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit said in a statement. "Identifying areas suitable for sustainable aquaculture is a forward-looking step toward strengthening climate-smart food systems."

 

The process of evaluating AOAs began in 2020, following an executive order by then-US President Donald Trump. The directive tasked NOAA Fisheries with establishing 10 AOAs by 2025 as part of efforts to expand the U.S. aquaculture sector.

 

On 15 November, NOAA Fisheries proposed 10 AOAs in Southern California—eight in the Santa Barbara Channel and two in Santa Monica Bay—along with three AOAs in Texas and one in Louisiana. Each proposed site ranges in size from 500 acres to 2,000 acres.

 

Previously, NOAA Fisheries identified 19 potential AOAs in federal waters along the Southern California coast and the Gulf of Mexico. To support the selection process, the agency invested in 19 scientific studies focusing on issues such as biosecurity, disease, genetic risks, engineering, economics, social vulnerability, and the well-being of coastal communities.

 

"Since its inception, the AOA process has been rooted in science and informed by public input," NOAA Office of Aquaculture Director Danielle Blacklock said. "NOAA has made significant efforts to engage constituents each step of the way by soliciting comments and shaping our actions to best serve the American public."

 

The draft programmatic environmental impact statements for the proposed AOAs were released on November 15, and NOAA is inviting public feedback. Comments on the draft documents will be accepted from November 22 through February 20, 2025. Additionally, the agency plans to hold virtual public listening sessions to gather further input.

 

Efforts to identify additional AOAs are also underway in Alaska, expanding NOAA's initiative to promote sustainable aquaculture across US waters.

 

-      SeafoodSource