The United States government is looking for ways to reduce our dependence on imported seafood while decreasing pressure on overstressed wild fish populations.  Ocean fish farming -- a form of industrial fish production -- is being pushed as the solution.  But it could come with more problems than it aims to solve.  Ocean fish farming involves putting large cages of fish out in ocean waters where excess feed, wastes, and any chemicals used go straight into the surrounding environment.  Read our factsheet on ocean fish farming to learn how it could impact the environment, consumers and coastal communities here in the U.S.    

There are other technologies available to meet our nation's goals -- but they're being left out of the conversation.  Land-based recirculating aquaculture systems -- fish farms on land -- could meet the same need for increased seafood production without damaging our environment or threatening the livelihoods of family fishermen, all the while helping to put cleaner, greener, safer seafood on consumers' plates.  Learn more about recirculating aquaculture systems here.

Before we move forward to legislate the development of an ocean fish farming industry, we should take a careful look at all our options.  Representatives Rahall (W.VA) and Capps (CA) have been seemingly convinced ocean fish farming is the best way to increased domestic seafood production. Send them an e-mail and tell them not to take the bait. Ask them to look into land-based recirculating aquaculture systems. Take action.