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U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy Final Report Released
The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy released its final report on September 20 after receiving comments from the previously released preliminary report. Of particular interest to the U.S. aquaculture community is Chapter 22: Setting a Course for Sustainable Marine Aquaculture with four recommendations as follows:
Recommendation 22-1: Congress should amend the National Aquaculture Act to designate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the lead federal agency for marine aquaculture, create an Office of Sustainable Marine Aquaculture in NOAA, and designate the Secretary of Commerce as a permanent co-chair, along with the Secretary of Agriculture, of the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture. NOAA should use this authority to design and implement national policies for environmentally and economically sustainable marine aquaculture.
Recommendation 22-2: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's new Office of Sustainable Marine Aquaculture should be responsible for developing a comprehensive, environmentally-sound permitting, leasing, and regulatory program for marine aquaculture.
Recommendation 22-3: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's new Office of Sustainable Marine Aquaculture should expand marine aquaculture research, development, training, extension, and technology transfer, including a socio-economic component. The Office should set priorities for research and technology, in close collaboration with the National Sea Grant College Program, states, tribes, academia, industry, and other stakeholders.
Recommendation 22-4: The United States should work with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to encourage and facilitate worldwide adherenc to the aquaculture provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
The full report, including the complete Chapter 22, can be reviewed and downloaded at:
http://oceancommission.gov/documents/prepub_report/welcome.html
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