PACIFIC OCEAN AQUAFARMS
A Partnership for Sustainability
Pacific Ocean AquaFarms (POA) is a unique collaboration between Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) – a renowned, non-profit research organization with a 50-year legacy of pioneering marine science and environmental conservation – and Pacific6, a Long Beach-based investment and development firm committed to important and urgent initiatives that positively impact people and the communities in which they live.
Both organizations share a solutions-oriented vision for how aquaculture can safely and sustainably feed a hungry world and revitalize the U.S. seafood industry – by emphasizing proven science, embracing regulatory oversight, utilizing best practices and technologies, and carefully conserving natural resources.
POA is committed to addressing the growing global demand for seafood and paving the way for increased domestic seafood production through innovation, responsible stewardship and a diligent consideration for the environment.
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Don Kent
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A MODEL FOR OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE
Raising California Yellowtail in Native Waters
POA plans to permit, construct and operate a sustainable, commercial-scale farm to raise California Yellowtail (Seriola Dorsalis) approximately four miles off the coast of Southern California where the mild climate, strong currents, favorable water temperatures and shelter from extreme weather are ideal for raising this fish.
Seriola Dorsalis is a native species that will thrive in the natural environment of a clean, deep, fast-moving water column. Careful stocking will allow for natural schooling so the fish can grow stress-free with minimal human interaction.
Harvests will provide a fresh, healthy sushi-grade product aimed at competing with foreign imports – not with the domestic catch of local fishermen. The farm will allow for year-round production and employment – providing consistent product to market, and working in harmony with commercial fishing operations.
Caring for Fish from Hatch to Harvest
The health and safety of our Yellowtail is paramount to how we conduct our operations. It is this crucial commitment to animal welfare that sets POA apart – from spawning and hatchery maintenance to proper care, feeding, and eventual harvesting.
POA, working with the seafood community, will embrace the strictest regulatory oversight, health monitoring and food safety standards to guarantee that our fish are safe, heathy and delicious to eat, and the short journey from offshore farm to consumer’s plate will ensure the freshest seafood with the lowest carbon footprint.
It is our commitment to feed the world with a better, healthier, more economical product in the most sustainable way.
PIONEERING OCEAN AQUACULTURE IN THE U.S. EEZ
The First Commercial Fin Fish Farm in U.S. Federal Waters
Pacific Ocean AquaFarms (POA) will be the first open-ocean fin fish farm sited in U.S. federal waters. This project aims to address the growing global demand for seafood while paving the way for more domestic seafood production through sustainable aquaculture.
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- Sited to avoid conflicts with commercial and recreational fishing, shipping and military activities.
- In deep, clean, temperate water with good current, away from critical habitats.
- Outside the coastal zone and within natural range for the species.
- Close to commercial fishing infrastructure and robust consumer markets.
- 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.
With a commitment to utilizing the best available science and technology, and a diligent commitment to protect the environment, POA will demonstrate that healthy, premium-quality fish can be grown reliably and sustainably in the U.S. with negligible, if any, adverse environmental impacts.
POA aims to demonstrate that we can: DO IT HERE. DO IT RIGHT. DO IT NOW.
Providing proof of concept to CATALYZE a new industry, begin to SOLVE the enormous U.S. seafood trade deficit, And DEMONSTRATE how to SUSTAINABLY feed a hungry world.
WHY AQUACULTURE IN THE U.S.?
The Domestic Challenge
The United States has the largest contiguous Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the world. This area, from three to 200 miles offshore, is ideally suited to open-ocean aquaculture. Compared to near-shore (state) waters, the EEZ offers better water quality, fewer conflicting uses and more natural habitat for fish. A very small area of the EEZ could produce significant amounts of farmed seafood … and do so very sustainably, both environmentally and economically.
With seafood being the most healthful form of animal protein and aquaculture being one of the most resource-efficient ways to produce it, it’s becoming increasingly important to establish responsible, sustainable ocean-based farming to support the food needs in the U.S. and around the world. However, while other nations invest heavily in aquaculture to meet the increasing demand, we continue to rely on other countries for our seafood supply.
Today, the United States imports more than 85% of its seafood. Half of that seafood is farmed, most of it in Asia.
The result is that the vast majority of our seafood is being provided without traceability, product quality assurance, or the ability to ensure that foreign suppliers are meeting our rigorous environmental and agricultural regulatory standards. Besides the serious impact on the national trade deficit, this raises on-going concerns of food security, food standards and the carbon footprint of the seafood we eat.
%
U.S. Seafood is Imported
%
Imported from Asia
Aquaculture World Ranking
Trade Deficit Billion $
EMBRACING THE REGULATORY PROCESS AND OVERSIGHT
Embracing the Regulatory and Oversight Regimen
Pacific Ocean AquaFarms is currently in the detailed process of permitting the farm, working with government agencies, each with their own jurisdictions, regulations and standards. POA embraces the strictest regulatory process and oversight to ensure efficacy, transparency and sustainability to produce the safest farm and highest quality product possible.
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INFORMED BY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Adhering to a Science-based Methodology
- Innovative feeds will reduce or eliminate net loss of protein. >
- Pen 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. >
- Best practices, and science and technology improvements, will be adopted. >
The POA Advisory Panel
POA maintains a Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel comprised of experts from around the nation to review operational protocols and offer advice to the POA Board of Managers. Members of the panel have expertise in areas such as aquaculture, socioeconomics, genetics, animal health, nutrition, water quality, sediment impacts, and agriculture. Additionally, POA will maintain a Stakeholder Advisory Panel with members from environmental NGOs, the seafood industry and the commercial and recreational fishing industries to gain insights and advice from their respective specialty areas.
DO IT HERE. DO IT RIGHT. DO IT NOW.
WHY AQUACULTURE?
The Global Challenge
is Fast Approaching
%
Increase in Population
Billion Global Population
%
Increase in Need for Protein
The global population, already over 7 billion, is growing by roughly 83 million people every year. To feed a projected population of 9.7 billion people in 2050 is a daunting challenge. Food production will need to increase by as much as 70%. A large proportion of this increase will come from animal protein demanded by an anticipated three billion new middle-class consumers throughout the globe
Feeding the planet while conserving the environment that underpins food production is one of the greatest challenges of our day.
The global food system is reaching a critical inflection point. Despite massive gains in scale and efficiency over the past 60 years, (exemplified by the Green Revolution in agriculture) food production is surpassing the ecological limits of the planet. If food and agricultural systems remain on their current path, the evidence points to a future characterized by persistent food insecurity and unsustainable economic growth.
Responsible aquaculture is the solution for growing demand.
Aquaculture is the most ecologically appropriate way to grow animal protein for human consumption. The ocean has the capacity to expand food production without heavy reliance on land and freshwater resources. It can also increase our food supply with less greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
An integrated program that combines responsible land-based agriculture with ocean-based aquaculture can support a long-term strategy to create a safe, secure, sustainable, and more resilient global food system.
The Immense Opportunity
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 this – producing healthy seafood, creating jobs, supporting the working waterfront and providing new trade opportunities for generations to come.
WHY THE U.S.?
• LARGEST EEZ OF ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
RECOGNIZING A MORAL IMPERATIVE
Scaling up domestic aquaculture is not about money or profitability at any cost. In fact, it is difficult and expensive to bring about. But anything that contributes to feeding a hungry world is worth trying. Food security is lessened when we import more than 90 percent of our seafood. And aquaculture has proven itself around the world. It is time to prove it here, adhering to the highest standards and meeting the greatest need.
To Provide Food for the Future
Norman Borlaug, the father of the green revolution, said, “Food is the moral right of all who are born into this.” Aquaculture is not only the fastest-growing food production sector in the world, it is synergistic with commercial fishing and will help to preserve that industry. The commercial fishing infrastructure and skills are needed. Aquaculture also relieves pressure on wild fisheries. The greatest level of food security comes from domestic – and local – sources that follow the strictest safeguards in everyone’s interests.
To Provide Jobs for Generations
Aquaculture offers much more than providing healthy seafood. Each operation will create economic development – upstream for vendors and equipment manufacturers, for example, and downstream for the seafood distribution system. Each will create new jobs and supplement existing jobs (e.g., in boating and commercial transportation of fish). Aquaculture can help invigorate working waterfronts and preserve them for commercial fishing. It promises a new domestic industry, which will create additional ripple effects to benefit coastal communities. And it promises to help offset the national trade deficit and dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of seafood.
To Protect our Natural Resources
Pacific Ocean AquaFarms is likely to be the first commercial finfish aquaculture operation in the entire United States EEZ. Being first means creating a path where there is none. POA’s partners have committed to the task of being the first because it is so important to do it … and to do it right. We will invest the time, money and effort needed to prove it successful … and maximize the potential for local, national and even international benefit.
• Using latest technologies
• Following best management practices
• Emphasizing continued research
• Overlaying an environmental ethos
AGENCY 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)
California Coastal Commission
– Coastal Act consistency review
– Aquaculture registration and oversight
– Rivers and Harbors Act navigable waters permit
– Aids to Navigation permit
– National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
50 YEARS OF CONSERVATION
HSWRI is a national leader in the hatchery production of marine finfish and operates a production-scale hatchery in Carlsbad, CA capable of rearing millions of fingerling marine fish annually. In cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, white seabass produced at this hatchery are released into the ocean to evaluate how to replenish wild stocks that have been depleted by overfishing and habitat loss.
HSWRI also operates a research-scale hatchery in San Diego, CA for rearing other commercially valuable species – both for replenishment and marine farming. Both hatchery facilities use state-of-the-art, energy-efficient life support systems and are operated to comply with California’s rigorous permit requirements.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Pacific6 is an investment partnership based in Long Beach, CA. The partnership’s six founders are committed to identifying, investing, and being intimately involved in important and inspiring initiatives that make a difference.
A long-term relationship with the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach raised the company’s awareness of the importance of aquaculture and marine conservation in the future of our global food supply. This inspired Pacific6’s involvement – to provide leadership and support in demonstrating the viability of ocean-based aquaculture through best practices, responsible stewardship and diligent consideration for the environment.
Projects include offshore aquaculture for fish and mussels, developing shellfish breeding programs, and exploring the immense potential of seaweed.
A HEALTHY FORM OF PROTEIN
Fish is an ideal food to feed our growing planet. It is a high protein, low fat, and nutritionally rich food. Among animal protein sources, seafood is among the healthiest for human consumption. Seafood provides a healthy alternative to beef and pork and is a necessary source of nutrition, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients.11 and there is a growing awareness of the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids on neurological and cardiac health. These benefits may be particularly important in developing countries, for maternal health, and in early childhood development. (Nature Conservancy)
The New Super Fish is Yellowtail. Yellowtail is comparable to beef in its protein per ounce, and its fatty-acid profile is similar to that of salmon. It has a meaty, flaky texture, but a lighter flavor, like most of the whitefish that Americans enjoy. (Mens Health Magazine)
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that Americans are currently eating about half the recommended amount of seafood based on dietary guidelines developed by nutritionists.
CALIFORNIA YELLOWTAIL – SERIOLA DORSALIS
California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) has been selected as the initial species, as it is native to California waters, and cultured juveniles are readily available from HSWRI hatcheries.
A transitory, seasonally abundant species in Southern California, yellowtail are valued as both a game and food fish. They are highly prized in the sushi markets and sold as Hiramasa. Japanese yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) are farmed and imported to the U.S. to be sold as Hamachi. Only farmed yellowtail meet the exacting standards required by the sushi market. The California yellowtail would be a domestically grown alternative to the farmed Japanese yellowtail.
Captive broodstock are located at HSWRI’s research facility in San Diego under controlled conditions and provide eggs in the spring and summer. Their production cycle can range from 18 to 22 months. Juveniles are available for stocking year-round from the HSWRI hatchery operation.
POA farmed yellowtail will only compete with imported product and not with locally caught fish – thereby protecting the existing market for wild-caught yellowtail that meet a different market niche.
The culture of yellowtail should help to offset the current demand for imported yellowtail from other countries (Mexico, Australia and Japan) for the regional sushi market and not impact the local market for commercially harvested wild yellowtail.
This will greatly reduce the carbon footprint related to the importation of this fish from outside the U.S.
FEED
Feed will be purchased from a Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certified feed plant. This will ensure the feed is sourced from a reputable manufacturer utilizing rigorous quality control standards.
POA recognizes that feed technology can rapidly change and intends to use the best available product on the market at any given time.
POA feed is designed to optimize the health and growth of Yellowtail with the following critical conditions:
1) nutritional requirements of the fish,
2) the conversion efficiency to minimize the waste of feed, and
3) the cost of ingredients to ensure economic sustainability and affordability.
Use of alternative sources of protein to replace fishmeal and fish oil in the diet is a priority, and finishing diets may be used to adjust the flesh quality to match consumer preference several months prior to marketing.
Additionally, HSWRI is involved in many research studies evaluating alternative sources of protein and oil (e.g., fish processing scrap cuttings and offal, plant-based protein, micro algae) to substitute for the fishmeal portions of fish feeds. The results of these studies will be integrated into the program as commercially available feed formulations are developed.
FEED
Feed will be purchased from a Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certified feed plant. This will ensure the feed is sourced from a reputable manufacturer utilizing rigorous quality control standards.
POA recognizes that feed technology can rapidly change and intends to use the best available product on the market at any given time.
POA feed is designed to optimize the health and growth of Yellowtail with the following critical conditions:
1) nutritional requirements of the fish,
2) the conversion efficiency to minimize the waste of feed, and
3) the cost of ingredients to ensure economic sustainability and affordability.
Use of alternative sources of protein to replace fishmeal and fish oil in the diet is a priority, and finishing diets may be used to adjust the flesh quality to match consumer preference several months prior to marketing.
Additionally, HSWRI is involved in many research studies evaluating alternative sources of protein and oil (e.g., fish processing scrap cuttings and offal, plant-based protein, micro algae) to substitute for the fishmeal portions of fish feeds. The results of these studies will be integrated into the program as commercially available feed formulations are developed.
PENS
- POA Fish pens will be engineered to the oceanographic parameters to which the site will be exposed.
- POA will be using the Norwegian Standard NS 9415.E to moor the farms. This standard requires strict oceanographic and bathymetric parameter inputs for calculating the engineering and incorporated materials – and protocols for installation, maintenance, and replacement of materials over time.
- POA production net pens will be 30 meters (98.4 feet) to 37 meters (121.4 feet) in diameter, depending on final engineering and 14 meters (45.9 feet) in depth.
- Pens will be positioned primarily at the surface. Submergible technology will allow them to be lowered below the surface during heavy weather events.
- POA plans to use a copper alloy mesh (CAM) as the netting material to control fouling organisms, and inhibit parasites and fish disease. Water flow can be maintained at an optimal level for fish health.
- POA will monitor copper leaching as part of its routine Water Quality Monitoring SOP so that the efficiency and impacts of this material can be continuously evaluated.
- POA currently estimates a lifespan of 4 to 7 years.