 October 15, 2004
Recent developments, including the release of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy Report, the expansion of finfish farming in British Columbia to include black cod, and proposals by the National Marine Fisheries Service to expand aquaculture in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, have elevated the debate over finfish farming to a new and higher level of importance. "This is an opportunity for Alaskans to voice their opinions and give the State of Alaska direction on how we might support industry's efforts to respond to the expansion of finfish farming in a manner that maintains the economic vitality of our fishery-dependent communities," said Commissioner Duffy. "Only after hearing directly from Alaskans, can we adequately assess and address the potential socio-economic and environmental impacts that finfish farming will have on Alaska's fishing industry, coastal communities, and economy." The first town hall meeting,
entitled "Alaska at the Crossroads: A Town Hall Meeting
to Identify Options for Addressing the Growth of Finfish Farming,"
will take place at the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, Washington
on Friday, November 12th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Additional town
hall meetings will be held in Alaska this winter (details have
yet to be determined). More recently, the Governor
sent a letter to Premier Gordon Campbell expressing concern over
his government's recent decision to allow new sablefish farming
operations in British Columbia without first assessing the potential
economic, social and environmental impacts of sablefish farming.
Source of News Release:
|