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ASA Supports RCF and EEZ Aquaculture Programs

Dec 23, 2015

The American Soybean Association (ASA) recently sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 9, in support of the Rose Canyon Fisheries (RCF) application for permits to operate a commercial aquaculture farm in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of San Diego.

For many years, ASA has been a strong supporter of efforts to develop offshore aquaculture in U.S. waters. More than 90% of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported. Soy growers have made it a priority to fund market development activities for soy-based aquaculture diets in China and other countries for over 20 years. With the implementation of this program, the demand for soybean meal for farm-raised fish has increased dramatically.

ASA strongly supports the Rose Canyon Fisheries project, which could become a model for the development of sustainable and offshore aquaculture. Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI), a San Diego-based 501(c) (3) marine research institute, and Cuna Del Mar, a private equity firm, formed Rose Canyon Fisheries to permit, construct and operate the first finfish farm in U.S. federal waters.

Click here to read the entire letter.