NOAA moves forward on allowing fish farms in Gulf

A plan to allow fish farms in the Gulf of Mexico moved closer to reality last week. NOAA fisheries last week declined to oppose fish farming in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a first step in opening area of the gulf to the production of tilapia, red snapper, shrimp and other marine species. At the same time, the agency said it would develop a national policy for "sustainable marine aquaculture" over the next few months – that policy will create federal standards for permitting aquaculture facilities in federal waters and strategies collecting the scientific information needed for permitting decisions. Fish farming has so far been limited close to shore, but the current plan would open up waters far offshore. The plan is opposed by some commercial fishermen who say the fish farms will make it even harder for them to make a living. It’s also opposed by some environmental groups who are concerned about the potential for fish waste and chemicals polluting the water. Supporters of the plan say the fish farms could help lower the amount of seafood America imports every year; about 80 percent of all seafood consumed in the United States is imported.