Despite widespread public opposition, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted on January 28, 2009 to pass a controversial plan to allow ocean fish farming – the mass production of fish in huge floating cages or net pens in open ocean waters –  in the Gulf of Mexico. The vote puts the Gulf one step closer to becoming the first federally managed waters to allow open ocean fish farming.  Given the concerns of pollution from fish feed and wastes, potential negative impacts on commercial and recreational fishermen, and increased stress on marine life from this form of farming, it’s not a distinction to be proud of. See our factsheet on ocean fish farming. The fight is far from over, however– the Council only recommends regulations to the National Marine Fisheries Service (part of NOAA and the Department of Commerce), which must approve the plan for it to go in to effect. 

Learn more below and take action by writing to NMFS and NOAA.

In passing the plan in January 2009, the Council ignored over 16,000 public comments asking them to strengthen safeguards for coastal communities, consumers, and the environment.  Many spoke out, including Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV), Chair of the House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, who sent a letter in October 2008 before the Council had anticipated a final vote strongly advising the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to stop approval of the regional plan to permit offshore aquaculture in federal Gulf waters. Read the press release.  The Louisiana Senate, as well as the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries department, passed resolutions against the Council’s plan.  Even the Village Council of Islamorada in the Florida Keys recognized the potential harm that this plan could do to its economy and passed a resolution against it.  Consumers, fishermen, environmentalists, students – a unique and diverse coalition formed to fight a plan pushed by special interests in the Gulf.  Now the fight continues at the federal level, as the plan moves through the Department of Commerce to be approved by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  You can help protect the coastal communities and the environment by voicing your own concerns with the plan and taking action now.

Advocates of ocean fish farming were hoping to sneak the plan through under the radar of public opinion by October 2008, but thanks to concerned citizens and organizations throughout the Gulf region and around the country, it was held off until January 2009. Now we have a new administration, as well as a new head of NOAA, Dr Jane Lubchenco, who is known for basing decisions on sound science. Write to Dr. Lubchenco and let her know that you support regulations developed from the best available science and ask her to reject this plan.