WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement following Chairman Daniel Inouye and Vice Chairman Ted Steven’s introduction of the National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007.
“I applaud Chairman Inouye and Vice Chairman Stevens for introducing this bill which embody this Administration’s commitment to ocean stewardship as called for in the President’s Ocean Action Plan.
“The Administration wants to promote safe and sustainable aquaculture which is vital in order to meet the growing demand for seafood. Today’s action by Chairman Inouye and Vice Chairman Stevens brings fishermen and the seafood industry, as well as the nation's farmers, one step closer to meeting the U.S. consumer’s demand for high quality, nutritious seafood.
“I recently visited aquaculture facilities in Hawaii and West Virginia. In Hawaii, innovative aquaculture entrepreneurs are creating a key growth industry by raising shrimp, shellfish and high quality finfish. I also traveled to Mingo County West Virginia with Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Committee on Natural Resources to see first hand facilities that are raising Arctic Char fish—a cold water species with significant market potential.
“The United Nations is projecting a 40 million ton global seafood shortage in 23 years (by 2030), unless something is done now. We need both a strong commercial fishing industry and a robust aquaculture industry. Given the projections, there is plenty of room for both industries.
“Seafood contributes over $8 billion to the United States trade deficit. America imports 80 percent of its seafood and almost half of that is from aquaculture. A robust offshore aquaculture industry will help reverse this and will help drive economic growth.
“Last week Chairman Inouye and Vice Chairman Stevens introduced two bills the Administration supports, the Coral Reef Conservation Amendment Act of 2007 and the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act. These bills will provide NOAA with key tools to address high priority needs for conservation, management and protection of these valuable resources. They take an important step forward to conserve our coral reefs and promote safe, efficient, and environmentally sound marine navigation and maritime commerce.
“As we celebrate National Oceans Month, the Administration recognizes the importance of the oceans to our national heritage, economy, and security and reaffirms our commitment to protecting them through wise stewardship and sensible management.”
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
