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Feeding Future Generations in Harmony with the Ocean

Pacific Ocean AquaFarms (POA) is proud to be working with research institutes, scientists, environmentalists, government agencies and practicing fishermen and farmers to develop and promote aquaculture in the United States, through safe and sustainable practices and responsible ocean stewardship. We are permitting the FIRST commercial, offshore fish farm in U.S. federal waters, under the MOST stringent regulatory food production standards, to CATALYZE a new industry, to begin to SOLVE the enormous U.S. seafood trade deficit, and DEMONSTRATE how to SUSTAINABLY feed a hungry world.

This project will serve as a model for the development of offshore aquaculture in California, the U.S. and the rest of the World.

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THE PROJECT

Pacific Ocean AquaFarms (POA) will permit, construct and operate a commercial-scale, environmentally sustainable fish farm to raise California Yellowtail (Seriola Dorsalis – a native species) approximately four miles off the Southern California coast. Permitting will begin in 2019, construction and stocking to take another year, with the first harvest two years after that.

THE CHALLENGE

By the middle of this century, the world’s population is estimated to grow to approximately 10 billion people. Demand for food (and protein) will grow exponentially. The challenge is to increase food supplies while minimizing environmental impact. Seafood is the most healthful form of animal protein and marine aquaculture is one of the most resource-efficient ways to produce it. Around the world, nations are investing heavily in aquaculture to meet the increasing demand and boost their seafood exports. It is the fastest growing food production method on the planet.


The U.S., however, needs to increase its aquaculture production. With domestic wild-caught fisheries at, or near, maximum sustainable yield, we import over 90% of our seafood supply – half of which is farmed, mostly in Asia. This not only contributes to a substantial trade deficit, it relies on foreign regulation and farming practices for the quality and safety of the seafood we consume.
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THE OPPORTUNITY 

With the immense size of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ), our advanced ocean science and technology, and our exceptionally high standards for food production, the U.S. has the potential, and the need, to lead the world in developing responsible, sustainable marine aquaculture. Pacific Ocean Aquafarms is committed to developing a fish farm that will serve as a model for offshore aquaculture – producing healthy seafood, creating jobs, supporting the working waterfront and providing new trade opportunities for generations to come.

 

WITH BEST PRACTICES, RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP AND DILIGENT CONSIDERATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT WE CAN:

DO IT HERE.  DO IT RIGHT.  DO IT NOW

PARTNERS

Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, San Diego, CA
  • Internationally respected marine science and ecology research institute.
  • 50 years’ experience, with more than 30 years’ aquaculture experience.
  • The only California entity to have successfully demonstrated ocean aquaculture.
    Pacific6, Long Beach, CA
    • California-based investment and development partnership.
    • Mission focus on inspiring and important ventures.
    • Goal: positively impact people and communities, economically, socially or both.

    THE REGULATORY AND OVERSIGHT REGIMEN

    California Coastal Commission     

    – Coastal Act consistency review

    California Department of Fish and Wildlife

    – Aquaculture registration and oversight

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)  

    – Lead agency for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review
    – Protected Resources review (endangered species, marine mammals, essential fish habitats)

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    – Rivers and Harbors Act navigable waters permit

    U.S. Coast Guard   

    – Aids to Navigation permit

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  

    – National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit

    THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    • Best practices, and science and technology improvements, will be adopted.
    • Innovative feeds will reduce or eliminate net loss of protein.
    • Cage technology for rough ocean conditions will avoid escapements.
    • Siting and appropriate stocking density will maximize fish health.
    • Technology will minimize or eliminate wasted feed, entanglements and other impacts.

    THE ECONOMICS

    • At build-out, will generate $50 million-plus in annual sales.
    • Will create an estimated $100 million-plus in new annual spending.
    • Will create and/or support 300+ permanent, good-paying jobs.
    (Source: San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation)

    BREEDING HEALTHY FISH 

    INSPIRATION

    “With Earth’s burgeoning populations to feed, we must turn to the sea with new understanding and new technology. We must learn to farm the sea as we have farmed the land.” 
    Jacques-Yves Cousteau 
    Explorer, Conservationist, Filmmaker, Scientist 
    “Aquaculture has the most potential to play a role in meeting the demand for sustainable food supply, without creating enormous environmental challenges.” 

    Stephen D. Gaines, PHD.
    Dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara 

     “We have an opportunity with aquaculture to make it the cornerstone of ocean conservation.” 

    Peter Kareiva
    Director, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability 

     “It’s not whether we should or should not do it. We must do it. It’s the only way that we can produce the additional seafood required to feed the world in the next 30 to 40 years.” 

    Daniel Benetti
    Professor of Marine Ecosystems, University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science