A report published in the January 2023 issue of Marine Policy says there is “strong potential” for offshore aquaculture developments in U.S. waters. However, there are “knowledge gaps” that need to be filled to develop the right regulatory framework that will guide the emerging industry.
The report, “Toward an environmentally responsible offshore aquaculture industry in the United States: Ecological risks, remedies, and knowledge gaps,” said the industry must answer critical questions about offshore aquaculture. Those include identifying methods of eliminating escapes, choosing sites that maximize production and environmental performance; and address risks from climate change.
In some cases, the report said established best practices for nearshore developments could be used to mitigate risks, but in others, those may not suffice…