Plans to develop large-scale floating fish farms in the Gulf of Mexico are gaining renewed attention as President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified five areas in the Gulf for potential offshore aquaculture, part of a decade-long federal push to expand fish farming in U.S. waters.
While supporters view the plan as a solution to rising seafood demand, critics warn of environmental risks and threats to traditional fishing industries.
Three of the proposed sites lie off the Texas coast, with others south of Louisiana and near the Mississippi River. Together, the areas span up to 6,500 acres and could enable large-scale cultivation of fish, shellfish, and seaweed.
Companies have expressed interest in high-value species like redfish and amberjack. However, opponents argue these operations could worsen the Gulf’s “dead zone,” a massive region of oxygen-depleted water caused by nutrient Pollution.
“When you think of all of these environmental impacts, it’s pretty concerning,” said Marianne Cufone of the Recirculating Farms Coalition, who also fears storms in the region could lead to farm damage and fish escapes.
Proponents, including Neil Anthony Sims of Ocean Era, argue that wild fish stocks alone cannot meet the growing demand for seafood. A Stanford study projects an 80% increase in global fish consumption over the next 25 years.
“We can’t feed a planet with wild fish anymore than we could feed a planet with wild antelope,” Sims said. NOAA’s Janet Coit echoed the sentiment, calling aquaculture “a forward-looking step toward climate-smart food systems.”
But the initiative faces resistance from Gulf fishing communities. Shrimpers, already struggling with competition from cheaper imported seafood, see offshore farms as an additional burden on their industry.
“We’re already dealing with rigs and oil wells,” Acy Cooper of the Louisiana Shrimp Association said. “And you want to put more out there? It’ll be our downfall.”
While federal waters have yet to see significant aquaculture development, NOAA is moving forward under existing laws to evaluate environmental and economic impacts.
Public feedback on the proposed areas will be accepted until February 20.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 13 December 2024. Image Credit :Leonid Sorokin/Shutterstock.
