Webcast & Report – Offshore Aquaculture in Southern California

Posted on September 28, 2016 by AC

Just in time for National Aquaculture Week, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Sea Grant, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the second report of their Offshore Aquaculture Workshop series. This workshop continues the conversation with Federal and State agencies about how to improve regulatory confidence in aquaculture operations. The workshop introduced a model as a possible tool for decision making, and includes information on animal health management, protected species concerns, and a summary of the permitting process.

Webcast speakers include Dr. Jerry Schubel, president and CEO, Aquarium of the Pacific; Dr. James Morris, marine ecologist, NOAA’s National Ocean Service and National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science; and Dr. Paul Olin, aquaculture specialist, California Sea Grant and the University of California, San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Watch the webcast. Read the reports.

Upcoming Webinar – Regulatory Costs of U.S. Aquaculture Businesses

Posted on September 26, 2016 by AC

The United States Aquaculture Society, National Aquaculture Association and North Central Regional Aquaculture Center are offering a free webinar focused on the regulatory costs incurred by bait and sportfish farmers. Many aquaculture producers and scientists have long pointed to an excessively burdensome regulatory environment in the United States as a constraint to growth and development of aquaculture. However, there has been little research done to determine the magnitude of the specific costs incurred by aquaculture producers as they comply with regulations.

This 1-hour webinar will present results of the first-ever study to measure the specific costs of regulations and how these costs affect U.S. baitfish and sportfish farms. While this study focused on baitfish and sportfish farms, results are likely to be of interest to the broader aquaculture community and to state regulatory agencies. New studies under development to similarly measure regulatory costs on U.S. West Coast shellfish growers and trout and salmon farmers will also be discussed.

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 27, 2016, 3:00 PM Eastern.

Duration: 60 minutes.

To Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1b9f24b2117490ab7c24e00bf0acd2b8

Presenter: Dr. Carole Engle is an Aquaculture Economist with more than 35 years of experience in the analysis of economics and marketing issues related to aquaculture businesses. She has worked in 19 different countries, has published over 112 scientific articles, serves as Executive Editor of the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society and Editor-in-Chief of Aquaculture Economics and Management.

Western Regional Aquaculture Center to Host Economic Impact Study

Posted on July 15, 2016 by AC

Dr Fred Conte, Extension Aquaculture Specialist at the University of California, Davis, recently shared an upcoming study being lead by the Western Regional Aquaculture Center (WRAC) through the California Aquaculture Association newsletter. This study aims to look into the economic impact regulations have on the Aquaculture industry across the west coast. The research team will look at the shellfish and trout industries in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, and Idaho, using industry surveys as well as state and federal agency input to compile an economic analysis.

The 3-year study hopes to increase the understanding across stakeholder groups of how the regulatory process effects the industry and communities. The results of the study and related materials will be shared with stakeholders via internet, newsletters, and follow up meetings. A webinar for the general public is also being planned.

The research team consists of Co-Principal Investigator and Project Director Mr. Gary Fornshell, University of Idaho; and Co-Principal Investigators Ms. Bobbi Hudson, Pacific Shellfish Institute (WA), Dr. William Hanshumaker, Oregon State University; and Dr. Fred Conte, University of California, Davis. The Industry Advisor is Mr. Bill Dewey, Taylor Shellfish Co. (WA). The Project Monitor will be Dr. Gunnar Knapp, of the University of Alaska.

Read Dr Conte’s full announcement here.

Learn about the California Aquaculture Association here.

The Working Waterfront – American Aquaculture in the 21st Century

Posted on June 7, 2016 by AC

The USA contributes only 1% of the 100 billion dollar worldwide aquaculture industry and meanwhile imports nearly 90% of the seafood consumed here. There is a real opportunity for increased development of sustainable aquaculture that can feed and support our communities. Living Ocean Productions presents a detailed look at the success stories from around the country, and the possibilities available if we continue to explore the potential for aquaculture industry growth.

Meet the farmers growing & harvesting catfish, salmon, oyster, and mussels, and learn about their dedication to environmental sustainability, community engagement, and high quality products.

Ready, Set, Farm!

Posted on May 10, 2016 by AC

Aquaculture Business Incubator Taking Proposals in San Diego

In the interest of promoting local business and sustainable seafood, the Port of San Diego has created a process to support local development concepts with their first business incubator – and it’s aimed at aquaculture. The Aquaculture Business Incubator will further the Port’s broader mission to promote fisheries, commerce, navigation, and recreation, by focusing on aquaculture partnerships. And they are ready to receive proposals immediately.

Continue reading →

New U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publication: Approved Drugs for Use in Aquaculture

Posted on October 30, 2015 by jonathanmackay

Screenshot – USFWS 2nd Edition – Approved Drugs for use in Aquaculture

Available now: booklet listing all currently approved drugs for use on aquaculture species in the U.S.. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership Program, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies – Fisheries and Water Resources Policy Committee’s Drug Approval Working Group and the American Fisheries Society’s Fish Culture and Fish Health Sections.

Short Film – Mussel Man

Video

Mussel Man follows Bernard Friedman, a farmer who grows mussels off of the coast of Santa Barbara, and the man who may have the answer to the food shortages that we could be facing over the next few decades.

Aquaculture Community Holds Lively Discussion at UCLA School of Law

Gallery

Posted on March 26, 2015 by carolsingleton

This gallery contains 6 photos.

On March 13, members of the aquaculture community met at UCLA School of Law for the inaugural California Aquaculture Law Symposium. The presenters and attendees were a mix of aquaculturists, government regulators, non-profit groups and students. Paul Olin, aquaculture specialist for … Continue reading →

California Shellfish Initiative Seeks to Improve Climate For Farmers and Regulators

Posted on February 20, 2015 by carolsingleton

Courtesy of Hog Island Oyster Co.

Thirty years ago in Tomales Bay, John Finger started an oyster farm with just $500. But, today he acknowledges it is much more difficult to start a shellfish company in California.

“Starting was easier back in the day,” he told an audience of shellfish growers, government regulators and other aquaculture stakeholders. “Expanding business is an onerous process. How do we reconcile industry and regulatory needs?”