California Aquaculture Association

AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

0830 – 1500, July 15 2009

Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

San Diego, CA

Present:

Industry Members: Greg Dale; George Ray; Mark Drawbridge; Mark Eglington; Dennis Faria; Tony Schuur; Tony Vaught; Roy Gordon

Public Agency Members: Devin Bartley (Convener); Fred Conte; Chuck Palmer; Cassidy Teufel;

Ex officio Members: Donald Kent; George Leonard; Peter Bridson;

Observers: Christina Cairns (OPC); Craig Elliott (Industry); Doug Elliot (Industry); Michael Rushton (ICF); Michael McCoy (CAA);

Absent: Barbara Dugal; Ken Beer; Fred Euphrat; Ray Fields; John Finger; Paul Olin; Rob Ross; Glenn Takeoka; Dominic Gregorio; Diane Windham.

1. Welcome and Introductions. Devin Bartley, California State Aquaculture Coordinator, opened the meeting and welcomed the participants on behalf of Director Donald Koch. Mark Drawbridge welcomed the participants to Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. The ADC expressed its appreciation to Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute for providing the venue and a tour of their aquaculture facilities on Mission Bay.

2. The agenda (Annex 1) was adopted.

3. Restricted species

Devin Bartley explained that revisions of section 671 on restricted species and an aquaculture permit to grow them are still underway. The revisions involve both aquaculture and wildlife, therefore there will be delays in adoption of the revisions by the Fish and Game Commission. Key points in the discussion where the restriction on live sales of barramundi to only the northern part of the state, that penalties for illegal activities were not severe enough to deter illegal actions, and the lack of a clear, consistent and science-based process to follow in assessing risk of exotic species or of putting species on the restricted species list. The committee noted the following:

• The committee believed the risk of adverse impacts from barramundi are minimal, whereas some department regional biologists believe the risk could be substantial in inland water bodies in the southern part of the state.
• A process needs to be in place to evaluate risks of exotic species.
• How is the department going to respond to reports or incidents?
• What is the process to open markets and what is the process that DFG is to follow to shut down markets and further areas where exotics are to be sold in the event of problems?
• There is concern that after substantial investment by fish growers the Department may shut down markets without due processes.
• It appears that policy is driven by the inability to enforce the illegal movement of fish due to limited wardens, e.g. sport fishermen will illegally move barramundi to stock water bodies and terminal markets will allow illegal sales of live fish.
• There may be substantial negative impact to California growers by allowing live exotic species into the state. With barramundi potentially sold only in northern California, there could be adverse impact to producers of other fish as markets may shift to selling barramundi rather than other California farm grown fish.
• Criteria for the approval of a facility to raise restricted species do not exist (Note of clarification– criteria do exist in the revision of 671.1. and 671.7)
• Science must guide risk assessment, use of anecdotal information is unacceptable.
• Penalties for illegal activities were not severe enough to deter illegal actions.

The committee voted on and approved the following recommendations:

1. The committee recommends that the Department develop a standard process to evaluate the introduction and culture of non-native/exotic species. This process could follow the model of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and include an advisory committee similar to the Aquaculture Disease Committee. The committee would be comprised of individuals from the private and public sectors to provide a clear and transparent process for decision making.
2. The committee recommends that the Department review 671 regulations and insure that the regulations include well defined and strict penalties for non compliance. (Note of clarification from the Aquaculture Coordinator – failure to adhere to state regulations constitute a misdemeanor under California law and this is included by reference in 671).
3. The committee recommends that the Department include in 671 regulations that terminal markets are required to obtain a permit to sell or hold restricted species.

4. Live Haul

Devin Bartley presented suggested revisions to the marking requirements for carriers of live fish. The revisions seem to address concerns of the ADC that significant exemptions would allow the potentially harmful transport of live fish to continue. It was asked if other law enforcement groups could assist Department wardens in enforcing and inspections. (Note – According to Nancy Foley, Chief Warden, due to the specialized expertise needed by Department wardens, other law enforcement groups would not be able to assist.)

5. PEIR

Christina Cairns (OPC) and Mike Rushton (ICF) briefed the committee on the status of the PEIR and again asked for comments on the impacts and future role of aquaculture. 3/5 of the report still needs to be completed and it must be ready for public comment by year’s end in order to utilize funds designated for the PEIR. It is anticipated that no additional funds will be available. A draft is to be ready for review by the ADCA and the Department by early October so these groups can comment in late October. Finalization is expected by May 2010. The scope of the document was discussed as to what inland facilites may be included, e.g. marine fish grown far inland.

The committee voted on and approved the following recommendation:

1. The committee recommends to the Director of the Department of Fish and Game that the scope of the marine PEIR be limited the Coastal zone as defined be the Coastal Commission and reaches out to the 200 mile limit.

The committee members agreed to send comments as soon as possible to Mike Rushton while copying the rest of the committee.

Action: All

6. Revision of state water bottom leases for shellfish culture

Devin Bartley informed the committee that the Fish and Game Commission is reviewing the terms and conditions for granting leases of state water bottoms. As dictated in the Fish and Game Code, the aquaculture industry must cover all costs of the program, including those associated with leasing state water bottoms. The department estimated these costs to be ~$100,000/yr. Thus, revisions of the lease should assist the department in recovering costs of the part of the program associated with managing shellfish leases. A new lease template has been drafted by the department, and specific draft leases have been developed so that the commission and farmers can review and comment. No new leases will be issues or leases renewed until the commission approves the new lease template and gives guidance on terms and conditions. It is expected that lease rates will increase. The committee was reminded that the other parts of the aquaculture program will also be reviewed in order to recover costs or to shift activities from the department to the industry.

7. Guide to registration, permits and licenses for California aquaculture

Devin Bartley reminded the committee that the production of this guide is a priority and to send material to him as soon as possible.

8. Update on Aquaculture Stimulus Grant Program

Tony Schuur and Devin Bartley informed the committee that California Department of Food and Agriculture has received information from California growers on increased feed costs, but that no final decision has been made on distribution of stimulus funds. (Note from the Aquaculture Coordinator – In light of concerns for determining methods for reimbursement to California farmers, Ms Natalie Krout of Food and Ag is working with USDA to develop equitable methods to calculate eligibility for funds in California. Devin Bartley will contact Ms Krout for current information.)

9. Report of the Sub-Committees

Aquaculture information: Tony Schuur. The size of the aquaculture sector of the California economy needs accurate numbers of production and dollar value to convey its importance to the legislature and the public. In order to investigate industry attitudes on the incorporation of mandatory reporting of production numbers as part of the annual aquaculture registration, Tony Schuur and Devin Bartley agreed to develop a survey that Michael McCoy would distribute to CAA. (Note: the survey has been developed and sent to CAA members). This item was suggested to be on the agenda for the next meeting.

Oyster seed supply: Greg Dale. Although seed supply has been inconsistent in the past, the supply was better this year. Some hatcheries are still struggling but they seem to have had better success this year than they did last year and are making changes to their systems and procedures to improve. All orders that Coast Seafoods has received have been filled. There are still significant questions as to why hatcheries have been struggling these last few years and why there has not been a natural set in Washington. Efforts are underway to address this information gap.

Marine Life Protection Act: Greg Dale. The MLPA process is finishing up in the Southern Region and beginning on the North Coast Region. There has been substantial resistance and concern voiced by the local community over the high costs of implementing the act, the need for the marine protected areas and that the needs of users of marine resources e.g. commercial and recreational fisherman, shellfish growers and others will not be considered as a priority. Greg Dale will participate in the process and keep the committee briefed as the process proceeds.

Quagga mussel: Dennis Faria. Quagga mussels have been found in the All American and Coachella Canals, but not in their tributaries nor in any farms in southern California. High water temperatures >82F and presence of predatory channel catfish and red ear sunfish may eliminate the mussels and keep them from becoming established in fish farms or nearby tributaries. The committee expressed concern that the department did not have a clearly defined response in the event of a quagga infestation in an aquaculture facility. It was proposed to follow the Aquaculture Disease Committee model where the department would work with the farm to allow sales, while eradicating the mussel and minimizing risk of spreading.

The committee voted on and approved the following recommendation:

The committee recommended that the Department develop procedures that define the actions the department will take in the event of an infestation of quagga mussels at an aquaculture facility. The procedures should follow those of the Aquaculture Disease Committee.

Aquaculture budget: Devin Bartley. There is approximately $85,000 balance to begin the 2009/2010 fiscal year. The state’s budget problems and spending freeze have prevented some funds from currently being used.

10. Any other business

Eco-certification of aquaculture products is a practice that is receiving much attention nationally and internationally. Peter Bridson informed the committee that grants may be available to assist with certification. California is considering developing a certification scheme for fishery products, however in light of no internationally accepted system for aquaculture; products from aquaculture are not now included. Input from producers is needed on this issue and it was recommended to be put on an upcoming agenda for the committee.

11. Next meeting

No specific date was set for the next meeting. However it is planned for late October in order to review the draft of the PEIR.

12. The meeting was adjourned at 15:30

Annex 1

AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

0830 – 15000, July 15 2009

Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

San Diego, CA

Draft

Agenda

0800 - 0830

Arrival 

0830 - 0845

1. Welcome and Introduction

Devin Bartley/HSWRI

0845 - 0900

2. Adoption of the Agenda

Devin Bartley

0900-1000

3. Revision of 671 Restricted Species in Title 14 

Devin Bartley

1000-1030

4. Live Haul labeling requirements 

Devin Bartley 

1030-1045

Coffee/tea

1045-1130

5. PEIR Status and request for information  

Christina Cairns/Mike Rushton 

1130-1200

6. Revision of state water bottom leases for shellfish culture

Devin Bartley

1200 - 1315

Lunch

1315- 1330

7. Guide to registration, permits and licenses for California aquaculture

Devin Bartley

1330 – 1345

8. Update on Aquaculture Stimulus Grant Program

Devin Bartley

1345 - 1430

9. Report of the Sub-Committees 

Aquaculture information

Tony Schuur

Oyster seed supply

Greg Dale

Quagga mussel

Dennis Faria

Marine Life Protection Act

Greg Dale

Others

Report on the State Aquaculture fund

Devin Bartley

1430 - 1455

10. Any other business

1455 – 1500

11. Next meeting (October 1-21, 2009 for PEIR comments?)

1530

Adjourn

1501 – 1700

Tour Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

Mark Drawbridge