Since the initial release of Fishy Farms in October 2007, there have been many regional and national developments regarding the status of open ocean aquaculture (OOA) in the United States. Food & Water Watch is planning a full-length follow-up report. Until that release, this update covers significant developments in OOA as a supplement to the original
Fishy Farms report.

• Read the report online
• Read the original report

Open Ocean Aquaculture (OOA) is the mass production of finfish in huge, often over-crowded cages out in open ocean waters. OOA in federal waters – from about three to 200 nautical miles off the coast, except in the Texas and the West Coast of Florida, where state waters extend to 9 nautical miles – is often called “offshore aquaculture.” Since the release of Fishy Farms, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has continued to push the development of this industry. Both regional plans and state projects have moved forward, and new federal legislation is expected to be introduced for approval by Congress that will allow standardized national regulation for offshore aquaculture in federal waters. However, there still has not been a bill to address the many potential negative effects on the environment, consumers, and coastal communities from a nationwide offshore aquaculture industry.

In Hawaii, state-controlled waters have become a testing ground for OOA, but Kona Blue and Cates International (now called “Hukilau Foods”) have struggled to attain profitability and prove sustainability.

Rather than spend more time and money on offshore aquaculture, the United States should avoid promoting this troubled industry and focus energy and financial resources to develop a more sustainable, recirculating aquaculture industry. Read more.