Coastal Issues | Aquaculture
Aquaculture
![Oahu, HI](issues/media/aq_220_1.jpg)
Onshore aquaculture ponds, adjacent to the ocean, on Oahu, HI.
Many types of aquatic organisms can be reared in a controlled or selected aquatic environment such as finfish, shellfish, and algae. Aquaculture is often conducted in coastal environments and operations can be located on land with a nearby water source or in bays, estuaries, or marine waters. When reared in marine waters, the term mariculture is often used instead of aquaculture.
Many types of organizations conduct aquaculture operations including small local operators, large seafood corporations, research institutions, and state and federal agencies.
![Puget Sound, WA](issues/media/aq_220_3.jpg)
Commercial salmon net pens adjacent to ferry boat transportation lane in Puget Sound, WA.
Aquaculture has become one of the world's fastest growing food industries due to population growth, changing consumer demands and preferences, technological advancements, and the depletion of wild fish stocks.
![sumberged lands zoning map](issues/media/aq_220_4.jpg)
Zoning map of submerged lands dedicated to shellfish aquaculture in Cedar Keys, FL.
- New policies, laws, and/or regulations can provide a mechanism to balance the needs of different marine resource users and protect the health of coastal and ocean resources;
- Siting tools can help identify areas to site aquaculture facilities that will minimize conflicts with existing resource users;
- Coordination mechanisms between regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal level can improve and speed decision making;
- Accurately assessing environmental impacts can improve decision making.
Links
NOAA Aquaculture — Provides information on NOAA’s aquaculture program.
NOAA Library — The NOAA Library Aquaculture Information Center is a resource for articles and information on aquaculture.
The Aquaculture Network Information Center — The Center focuses on providing links to electronic aquaculture information.
For additional information contact Matt Gove.