WASHINGTON,
D.C. – The Obama Administration recently announced plans to create policy that
allows fish farms in federal waters, in an attempt to cut the nation’s
dependence on imported fish. Today, Senator Murkowski responded with
serious reservations:
“While I recognize the
motivation to increase aquaculture production in the United States, NOAA’s new
Marine Aquaculture policy raises far more questions than answers. My first
question would be whether NOAA even has the jurisdiction to do this. Beyond
that, can they provide the oversight this policy requires, involve the public and
do a thorough environmental review.
“I am strongly
supportive of the expansion of shellfish farming in Alaska, but farming of
salmon, halibut and other finfish is prohibited in our state waters for a
number of reasons. Any attempt to develop this industry in neighboring
federal waters will be opposed. While NOAA seems to have a rough idea of
some potential environmental drawbacks, there are also the financial ones that
should be considered – namely what expanded fisheries would do to the Alaskan
economy, which provides the majority of seafood to the United States.
“Congress will play a
key role in consulting and proceeding with any implementation of this policy. I
look forward to working with NOAA officials, hearing their answers to my
questions and pushing back if they don’t advance a sensible policy.”
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