Ocean Fish Farming in the Keys?

The Gulf and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are federal bodies that make decisions about fish in U.S. waters. Right now, they are finishing a plan to allow the development of “fish farms” - putting many huge cages filled with fish in our ocean. This is called “open ocean aquaculture,” “ocean fish farming” or “offshore aquaculture.” Whatever the name, it can potentially cause big problems for both coastal communities and the ocean. On July 21 and August 13, the Councils and NMFS will be meeting to discuss how this plan would affect the Keys and to give you a chance to tell them what you think about it. Come to the meeting on July 21st in Key West at the Radisson Hotel or the meeting on August 13 in Key Largo at the Hilton Key Largo and tell the Council not to approve this plan for ocean fish farming in our waters.
Sign up today

What is ocean fish farming?

Also called open ocean aquaculture or offshore aquaculture, ocean fish farming is the practice of growing finfish in huge, often overcrowded cages out in open ocean waters from three to two hundred miles off the coast. Before any regional or federal plan for ocean fish farming moves forward, we need to better understand how these intensive fish farms affect human health, the economies of local communities, wild fish populations, marine mammals, endangered and threatened species, species of concern, birds, essential habitat and fragile areas. Find out more by reading our factsheet on Ocean Fish Farming.

Ocean fish farming usually only benefits a few but can cause harm to many.

Commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, and people in the tourism industry – anyone who relies on clean, safe oceans for their livelihood or simply enjoyment - could be hurt if the Councils and NMFS approve this plan. Fish farming can reduce the price of wild-caught fish, decrease the areas available for recreational and commercial fishing, and – since the cages are not always submerged – can destroy the picture-perfect Keys sunset over the ocean, valued by visitors and residents alike.

Ocean fish farming can hurt commercial fishermen. Historically, commercial fishermen have lost jobs when there is farming of species that are also wild caught. Competition from farmed fish pushes the price of wild fish down and can make individual fishing quotas less valuable because there is too much fish available in the market. Combined with rising oil and gas prices, traditional commercial fishermen are likely to be the most affected. Find out more by reading our fact sheet on ocean fish farming and commercial fishing.

Ocean fish farming can hurt recreational fishermen. The plan does not identify which areas will be used for ocean fish farming and which will not. Facilities could be installed in or near popular fishing grounds. The plan does, however, have an option to prevent fishing near or around the farms and to designate a buffer zone around the operations. Valuable recreational fishing areas could be lost. Find out more by reading our fact sheet on ocean fish farming and recreational fishing.

Ocean fish farming can hurt the local economy and environment. Visitors to the Keys are drawn by the allure of beautiful sunsets, water sports like snorkeling and diving, and recreational fishing. This plan allows for commercial-scale ocean fish farming – which involves many large cages close together. These operations are often unattractive and predators, like sharks, can frequently be seen nearby, looking for a meal on the captive fish. The value of the “Keys experience” visitors seek is in jeopardy. Find out more by reading our fact sheet on how ocean fish farming affects consumers and the environment.

Click here to get the PDF

If it can cause problems – why is this being proposed? Who will benefit from ocean fish farming? Ocean fish farming is being pushed by the National Marine Fisheries Service and some Gulf Council members that do fish farming. While consumers certainly need access to clean, healthy fish from local sources, this plan is not the answer. Foreign investors and the industry itself are the most likely to benefit from ocean fish farming, while potentially harming our local communities. In order to be profitable, ocean fish farming must be done at an industrial scale, which requires a large amount of capital to begin. Big business is the only player with enough money for start-up operations.

What are people doing about it? People are learning about the issue and letting the Councils know that they are concerned. They are writing letters, making phone calls and attending public hearings. During the week of December 10, 2007, hundreds of fishermen, environmentalists, consumers and other concerned Gulf Coast residents turned out to public hearings in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas to voice their concerns about the plan to allow industrial ocean fish farming in the Gulf. Packing the room at every hearing and even spilling into the hallways, they delivered a strong message to the Gulf Council and NMFS that this plan is seriously flawed and should not be approved. Now there is one more hearing in the Keys – and the decision-makers need to hear that people still have concerns.

Where can I learn more? Check out our reports and factsheets on ocean fish farming for the hard facts and numbers on ocean fish farming.

How can I help? Come to one of the meetings and tell the Council not to approve this plan for ocean fish farming in our waters. Tell your friends about it and sign up to let us know you’ll be there!

Sign up to stay informed on how you can impact decisions on fish farming.

Have questions? Email us: fish[at]fwwatch[dot]org