California Aquaculture Association

Schwaab to Head NOAA Fisheries Service

Michael — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:56:12 +0000

An Announcement from Dr. Jane Lubchenco

It gives me great pleasure to announce Eric Schwaab as the new assistant administrator for fisheries, starting February 16. We are excited to have someone with Eric’s experience and proven leadership to bring a fresh perspective to the management of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. Eric will lead NOAA’s efforts to rebuild our fisheries and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on them. His immediate priorities include improving outreach and relationships with recreational and commercial fishermen, better aligning federal and regional fisheries priorities, restoring confidence in fisheries law enforcement, and promoting management approaches that will achieve both sustainable fisheries and vibrant coastal communities.

Eric brings more than 25 years of experience in local, state and federal natural resource management. He has spent the majority of his career at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where he began as a natural resources police law enforcement officer in 1983. He eventually served as director of the Maryland Forest Service; director of the Maryland Forest, Wildlife and Heritage Service; and director of the Maryland Fisheries Service. In 2003, Eric left the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to serve as resource director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies until 2007. He then returned to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as the deputy secretary. Eric has also served as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee.

Eric is a creative and proven manager, consensus builder and leader. He has developed and implemented solutions to address challenges in regional habitat restoration, including Chesapeake Bay restoration issues, fish and wildlife conservation, public lands management, natural resources law enforcement, public agency administration, strategic planning and leadership development.

I am excited to welcome Eric to the NOAA family. He will work with NOAA leadership, the fisheries service, his fellow assistant administrators and our many constituents to further our efforts to protect and manage the nation’s fisheries, our other trust resources including marine mammals and sea turtles, and the ecosystems upon which they depend. Welcome Eric!

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Jim Balsiger, the acting assistant administrator, for his superb and sustained leadership. Jim has led the fisheries service for over two years in this capacity, far from his home in Alaska, and done so with distinction. He was especially instrumental in engaging the fishery management councils in the process of developing the draft catch shares policy. Dr. Balsiger will soon return to his position as NOAA Fisheries’ regional administrator for Alaska, but before doing so will assist Eric with his transition into the fisheries service and NOAA. I’d also like to thank the entire team at NOAA Fisheries who have done an excellent job during this period.

Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator

New Rules planned for fish farming in Federal waters

Michael — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:11:53 +0000

[From the Ventura County Star]

WASHINGTON — Americans’ insatiable love of seafood is back on the federal government’s plate.

Five years after former President George W. Bush’s administration first proposed allowing fish farming in federal waters, the Obama administration is set to come up with its own set of rules for offshore aquaculture, including deepwater fish farming.

The new rules, which are expected to spell out a permitting process for offshore aquaculture operations, could come as early as this summer, said Michael Rubino, manager of the aquaculture program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“We’re looking at this whole question of aquaculture in federal waters — how to go about it,” Rubino said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, has filed legislation that would establish a regulatory framework for aquaculture operations in federal waters, which begin three miles beyond the nation’s shores.

Capps’ proposal not only lays out the permitting process for offshore aquaculture facilities, but also contains environmental safeguards to see that any such projects pose a minimal risk to ocean ecology — a concern that derailed the Bush administration’s efforts.

“It is important to take a strong public health standard approach and make sure we have food safety and environmental protection as a basis for any kind of aquaculture project that would come up,” Capps said.

Ocean fish farming has long been seen by advocates as a way to guarantee a plentiful bounty of seafood even as a number of wild fish stocks decline. An estimated 80 percent of all edible seafood supplies in the United States is imported, and nearly half of all seafood is farmed, according to the San Diego-based Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute.

Right now, fish farming is limited to state waters, which begin at the shoreline and extend out for three miles.

In 2005, the Bush administration proposed allowing fish-farming operations up to 200 miles off the coast, which would have marked the first time such facilities would have been permitted in federal waters.

But that proposal, and subsequent plans, died in Congress in large part because of environmental concerns associated with fish farming, such as the discharge of waste and the use of pesticides, antibiotics and other potentially harmful chemicals.

Capps objected to the Bush plan because of the environmental issues and a belief that it was too closely tied to the fishing industry. “They wanted to go out of their way to see that industry was satisfied,” she said.

In contrast, the congresswoman’s aides say, her proposal offers a comprehensive policy that spells out the permitting process for aquaculture facilities while putting in place standards for environmental, public health and consumer protection.

Under the Capps plan, a special office to deal with offshore aquaculture would be established within the National Marine Fisheries Service at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.

The office would be responsible for implementing the aquaculture permitting and regulatory program, as well as conducting environmental impact studies for each region of the country. The studies would determine which locations are appropriate for offshore aquaculture, the type of fish suitable for farming in each region and the impact such projects would have on other marine life.

Aquaculture permits would be good for 10 years and could be renewed for subsequent 10-year periods. Permit holders would be required to report fish escapes, the prevalence of disease and parasites and the use of any antibiotics, pesticides or other drugs and chemicals.

By putting in place a comprehensive regulatory framework, “It will be very clear to all of the stakeholders what the rules of the game are,” Capps said.

But Don Kent, president of Hubbs-SeaWorld, said Capps’ bill would create “a regulatory jumble” because some of the safeguards it would put in place already are covered by other federal agencies.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, for example, already regulate the use of antibiotics, Kent said.

The additional requirements would be so cumbersome that, if the proposal were to become law as written, “there won’t be an (aquaculture) industry in federal waters in the United States,” Kent said. “I won’t do it under the existing bill.’’

Hubbs-SeaWorld had wanted several years ago to set up an experimental fish farm on Platform Grace — an old oil rig about 10 miles off the coast of Ventura County — to raise California yellowtail, bluefin tuna and striped bass. The project eventually was abandoned, however.

The research institute also has put on hold plans for a commercial fish farm five miles off the San Diego coast in light of the Obama administration’s announcement that it is developing an aquaculture policy.

Capps’ office responded to Kent’s concerns by saying the congresswoman’s proposal attempts to legislate “a common sense national framework for aquaculture” and that it is the result of a collaboration with environmental and consumer groups, the scientific community, the aquaculture industry and others.

The congresswoman will continue to work with all stakeholders as the process moves forward, said her spokeswoman, Emily Spain.

Rubino said NOAA has no comment on the Capps proposal, other than to reiterate that the administration prefers a national approach to aquaculture instead of a region by region approach.

New ED for Cal. Ocean Science Trust

Michael — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:18:15 +0000

NEW CALIFORNIA OCEAN SCIENCE TRUST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMED
Bodega Marine Laboratory Assistant Director Skyli McAfee Will Also Serve As California Ocean Protection Council Science Adviser

Oakland, Calif. Skyli McAfee has been named Executive Director for the California Ocean Science Trust (OST), effective March 1, 2010. In this role, McAfee will report to the OST Board of Trustees and serve as the Science Advisor to the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC).

McAfee replaces Dr. Amber Mace who served with distinction in these capacities from 2006 to 2009. Dr. Mace oversaw the transformation of the organization from a relative startup to one with a $2 million budget that is now considered a national model for helping bring ocean science to management. Dr. Mace recently left the OST when she was named Executive Director for the OPC.

Skyli has demonstrated a tireless dedication to supporting the development of marine science that will advance our understanding and improve the management and protection of our ocean and coastal ecosystems, said Steve Weisberg, Executive Director of the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project and Chair of the OST Board of Trustees. Her commitment to sound science, her expertise in developing collaborative partnerships, and her skill at administering large, science-based programs will ensure OST continues to achieve its goal of delivering high quality, credible science to inform decisions.

McAfee will also co-chair the OPC Science Advisory Team, along with Dr. Gary Griggs, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences and Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Skyli will bring a rigorous scientific and inclusive approach to resolving Californias marine resource challenges, said Griggs. I look forward to working with her to lead the OPC Science Advisory Team.

McAfee comes to OST from the University of California, Davis, Bodega Marine Laboratory, where she served as assistant director. In that capacity, she facilitated program development and administration of a renowned research lab engaged in multidisciplinary marine and terrestrial research, encouraging productive collaborations with federal and state partners such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey, and California Department of Fish and Game. McAfee also oversaw the design and acquisition of the flagship research vessel Mussel Point, a critical asset for multidisciplinary marine research along Californias north coast.

I am thrilled to lead the Ocean Science Trust and work with all of our partners to ensure that decisions are based on the best available science, McAfee said of her new role. The OST has made significant progress toward linking science and policy to ensure decision makers have access to information essential to maintaining healthy and thriving marine ecosystem for generations to come.

A native Californian, Skyli McAfee received her undergraduate degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in Aquatic Biology and a masters degree from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, where she studied the community ecology of reef fishes in Panamas San Blas Archipelago. McAfee and her husband, marine ecologist Steven Morgan, a professor at University of California, Davis, Bodega Marine Laboratory, have worked at marine laboratories throughout the country, focusing on population dynamics and evolution of marine life histories, as well as conservation biology and fisheries management. Always up for a challenge, McAfees passion for the sea led her to sail her small sailboat round-trip across the Atlantic, as well as up from the Panama Canal, an experience she describes as transforming and a source of her deep passion to help harness science to improve management of oceans and the wealth of resources they contain.

The California Ocean Science Trust is a non-profit organization established pursuant to the California Ocean Resources Stewardship Act of 2000 to encourage coordinated, multi-agency, multi-institution approaches to translating ocean science to management and policy. Its mission is to ensure that the best available science is applied to California policies and ocean management to successfully maintain a healthy, resilient, and productive ocean and coast.

WAAM symposium - “Modern Approaches to Fish Medicine”

Michael — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:41:13 +0000

Jan 24, 2010 - “Modern Approaches to Fish Medicine” at UC Davis; A full-day symposium with a fantastic line-up of experts, including both lectures and a hands-on wetlab. CE credit is available. For more information and registration, please visit: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/clubs/WAAM/symposium.html

Schedule of Events

Sunday Jan 24th: “Modern Approaches to Fish Medicine”

8:30-9:00 BREAKFAST & REGISTRATION

9:00-9:50 Dr. Scott Weber: “Getting Hooked on Fish Medicine and Surgery”

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology

10:00-10:50 Dr. Tom Waltzek: “Viral Pathogens and Reportable Diseases of Pond Fish”

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology

11:00-11:50 Dr. Tim Miller-Morgan: “Protecting Your Fish From a Dangerous World: Fish Health Management in an Era of Risks”

Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences; Hatfield Marine Science Center; Oregon Coast Aquarium

12:00-12:50 LUNCH TALK - Dr. Freeland Dunker: “The Veterinary Care Challenges in Opening a New Aquarium”

California Academy of Sciences, Steinhart Aquarium

1:00-1:50 Dr. Denise Imai: “Basic Fish Pathology: Review of Necropsy Techniques, Anatomy, and Histomorphology”

UC Davis Center of Comparative Medicine

2:00-2:50 Anthony Quintero: “Life Support System Function & Husbandry Within an Ornamental Koi Pond”

Koi Enterprises

3:00-6:00 WETLAB (3 stations): with Drs. Tim Miller-Morgan, Tom Waltzek, and Scott Weber

1. Anesthesia and Phlebotomy

2. Anatomy and Necropsy

3. Parasites and Case Discussions

NOAA Announces Federal Fisheries Finance Program

Michael — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:01:47 +0000

NOAA has announced that it has money to lend under the Fisheries Finance Program. The money, made available by an act of Congress, is available at competitive rates for many uses associated with aquaculture and fisheries. Eligible projects in aquaculture and mariculture include: Purchase of existing facilities, Acquisition of Facility Equipment or Improvements, New Construction, Reconstruction. FFP loans typically can cover up to 80% of the cost of the project. They are subject to long-term, fixed interest rates at 2% of US Treasury cost of funds. Maturity rates can be up to 25 years. For more information or to apply, contact:

NOAA Fisheries, Financial Services

7600 Sand Point Way, NE

BIN C15700, Bldg. 1

Seattle, WA 98115-6349

Phone: 206-526-6122

Email: NW.Finance@noaa.gov

Brochure: FFP_Brochure_2009v2.pdf

Aquaculture 2010 - Coming Right Up!

Michael — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:02:51 +0000

California’s aquaculturists have a ringside seat for the biggest show in the world of aquaculture this coming March 1 – 5. The combined meeting of the World Aquaculture Society, the National Shellfisheries Association, and the Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society will convene for the Triennial in San Diego, California. In addition, a host of other organizations will hold concurrent meetings and sponsor sessions and exhibits. The California Aquaculture Association is a co-sponsor of the event, providing its members with a substantial discount.

A preliminary brochure and registration materials have just been released and early registration is now available. Follow this link to download the brochure: https://www.was.org/WasMeetings/meetings/pdf/AQ2010RegBrochure.pdf . As you register, be sure to claim the discounted Association Member Rate. If you are not already a member of CAA, you can register here on this website under Membership.

Check out the many sections in the brochure and then help us spread the word! For more information, contact the CAA office at: 916 915-1151 or by email: execdir@caaquaculture.org.

Biofuel Gets TV Look

Michael — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:38:34 +0000

Living With Ed’
Actor Begley keeps it real and green
Niland algae plant tapped by star

SUNECO ENERGY:
Turns plant form into biofuel.
By DAVID STEFFEN
Staff Writer Dateline: NILAND
Ed Begley Jr. of Planet Green’s reality show “Living with Ed” visited SunEco Energy facilities in Niland on Monday to learn more about algae-derived biofuel.
The ecologically minded Begley learned about a new source of biofuel developed here in the Imperial Valley.
Using organic plant material commonly found in bodies of water, SunEco Energy strives to power cars and other motorized vehicles with a renewable and clean source of energy.
“We were happy to have him choose SunEco Energy as the leading algae energy company in the world,” said SunEco Energy General Manager Ray Babb.
SunEco Energy showed Begley the process of turning algae into usable biofuels.
Begley, who drove to Niland in a hybrid Toyota Prius, saw firsthand the process of turning algae — microscopic aquatic plant matter — into biofuels that can power vehicles.
SunEco Energy could pro-

duce 13.2 million gallons of algae biofuel with its algae pond setup. The company will finish a processing plant in January.
Babb said one surface acre of algae yields 33,000 gallons of biofuel. There are 400 acres of ponds.
Babb said Begley was impressed with the process and the potential algae-based biofuels hold for the future. Seeing algae-based gasoline was a novelty for Begley, Babb said. “He never saw anything like it — not to this level,” Babb said.
An interview with Begley was not allowed per Discovery Channel rules, a spokeswoman at the scene said. The network is the parent company of “Living with Ed.” The show highlights Begley’s efforts to lead a green lifestyle, according to the show’s Web site. “Living with Ed” focuses on Begley and his wife, Rachelle, who was also present in Niland. Rachelle, who loves her husband, must adjust to his green ways, according to the show’s Web site.
Babb said algae-based fuel is the wave of the future. He said that unlike corn-based ethanol, harvesting algae for fuel would not have an impact on food supplies. He said utilizing large amounts of corn for ethanol takes away from the food supply and raises the price of corn. SunEco Energy could yield a full, mature crop of algae from its ponds every 30 days to prepare for biofuel, Babb said.
The resulting fuel would then proceed to Los Angeles, where it would have to undergo further processing, much like traditional petroleum.
Babb said algae may become the wave of the future for fuel and may increase the nation’s energy independence on the world stage.
“It’s just one step closer to getting America off foreign oil,” he said.
The program will air in February.
>> Staff Writer David Steffen can be reached at 1-760-337-3452 or dsteffen@ivpressonline.com

Park Service to Kill Trout to Save Frogs

Michael — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:19:55 +0000

Service says poison trout to save frogs
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK (AP) — Park officials are proposing poison to save a native species of frog in the Sierra Nevada.
The National Park Service wants to pour poison into as many as 80 lakes to eradicate trout that eat the mountain yellow-legged frogs.
Rangers say a preliminary effort to kill off trout in 11 lakes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks has allowed the frog population to rebound. They say other species that compete with the nonnative fish — including some reptiles and birds — also are returning in larger numbers.
Some outdoor and environmental groups fear poisoning the lakes could alter the ecosystem and risk harming insects and other amphibians and are urging park officials to consider alternative methods.
The National Park Service proposal is open to public comment through Nov. 21.

Call for Public Comments from White House IOAP Task Force

Michael — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:37:37 +0000

NIFA
INVESTING IN SCIENCE | SECURING OUR FUTURE

The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force (White House) is seeking public input on its work with a focus on several key areas. This is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to provide thoughtful and constructive comments on the important role of “sustainable” aquaculture development in coastal and ocean waters. Any forthcoming recommendations on aquaculture can benefit from strong voices with facts and accurate information that increase the understanding of the needs and opportunities for integrating commercial aquaculture into a new national ocean/coastal policy. The forum is set for national input and an opportunity for aquaculture to have strong representation on its compatibility for future development and economic growth in marine waters.

To provide your input go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/submit

SBGA Accepting Entries for Landry Award

Michael — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:34:14 +0000

For Immediate Release

October 22, 2009

The Striped Bass Growers Association (SBGA) is accepting entries for the Walter Landry Memorial Award to be awarded to a student for outstanding achievements in research on any of the species in the Morone genus and/or Morone hybrids. The award and a travel assistance of $250 will be presented at the SBGA Annual Meeting, which is being held in conjunction with Aquaculture America 2010 in San Diego, CA.

Entries should be submitted to “Walter Landry Memorial Award”, Striped Bass Growers Association, PO Box 1647, Pine Bluff, AR, 71613, faxed to SBGA at 870-850-7902, or e-mailed to sbga@thenaa.net no later than December 1, 2009. Applicants should identify their academic affiliation, supply contact information, and provide a summary (maximum of 4 pages) detailing their research accomplishments.

Contact: Kelly Goodwin at sbga@thenaa.net