In 2016, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council developed a plan for regulating offshore aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico. While the published rule was overturned in court, this does not prevent offshore aquaculture projects from moving forward. Two federal agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, continue to have authority over the offshore aquaculture permitting process.
To help address the questions surrounding offshore aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Sea Grant hosted a workshop to share updated information, address concerns, and identify knowledge gaps and opportunities to support this growing industry.
The workshop offered discussion of current and future offshore aquaculture projects in the Gulf. It included presentations on important topics related to what we have experienced and understand about offshore aquaculture — followed by a facilitated discussion on what knowledge gaps and concerns exist and how they can be addressed to further the development of this industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
June 27,2019
9:00am—9:15am
Welcome
Introductions
Background
Martin Main—FL Sea Grant
Kevan Main—Mote
Michael P Crosby—Mote
9:15am—9:30am
Review Agenda
Activities
Housekeeping
Joy Hazell—FL Sea Grant
Marcy Cockrell—FDACS
9:30am—10:00am
History of Offshore Aquaculture—
Gulf of Mexico Current Status
Abstract | Presentation
Laura Tiu—FL Sea Grant
10:00am—10:30am
Interagency Processes and Guidance
Documents for GOM Aquaculture
Presentation
Jess Beck-Stimpert—NOAA
10:45—11:15am
GOM Aquaculture Permitting and the Application Processes
Presentation
Meghan Wahlstrom-Ramler—EPA
11:45am—11:15am
Charlie Culpepper—FDACS
1:00pm—1:30pm
The Velella Epsilon Project –
Kampachi Aquaculture in Florida
Abstract | Presentation
Dennis Peters—Kampachi Farms, LLC
1:30pm—2:00pm
Manna Fish Farms
Gulf of Mexico Project
Abstract | Presentation
Kelly Lucas—University Southern Mississippi
2:00pm—2:30pm
Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture
Environmental Considerations
Presentation
Dan Benetti—University of Miami
2:30pm—3:00pm
Best Management Practices for Offshore Aquaculture
Abstract | Presentation
LeRoy Creswell—FL Sea Grant
3:15pm—3:45pm
Interaction of Offshore Aquaculture and Fisheries
Abstract | Presentation
Kai Lorenzen—UF
3:45pm—4:15pm
Aquaculture Product Safety: An Essential Concern with Reasonable Solutions
Presentation
Steve Otwell—UF
4:15pm—4:45pm
Offshore Aquaculture Economics Implications for Seafood Market Growth
Presentation
Frank Asche—UF
June 28,2019
9:00am—10:00am
Welcome—Agenda Review
Presenter Panel—Q & A
10:00am—12:00pm
Activities to Identify Additional Offshore Aquaculture Research and Communication Questions
12:45pm—3:30pm
Tour—Mote Marine Aquaculture Facility Lunch and Welcome by Kevan Main
Hatchery and Fingerling Production of Marine Fish
