44 



cialization takes place private industry assumes responsibility for expansion. For ex- 

 ample, site specific pilot projects on sea scallop aquaculture should be undertaken. 

 Concurrently, hatchery techniques, related applied research, and enhancement 

 projects should be coordinated. Marine finfish will require facilities devoted to the 

 development of aquaculture practices for different species and enhancement 

 projects. We suggest the creation of facilities devoted to aquaculture development 

 and fisheries enhancement. As in Nantucket, seed money from the government can 

 combine with private industry to develop these facilities. The roles of the facilities 

 will be to operate development/commercialization programs and research new spe- 

 cies and methods for aquaculture and enhancement. Private industry is willing to 

 invest in the development of aquaculture. NOAA can encourage private involvement 

 by offering incentives, matching funds, and developing appropriate support services. 

 Industry is interested in projects that have direct application. To assure the future 

 Sea Grant needs the funding to develop research and extension programs for marine 

 aquaculture. This support is necessary to the development of aouaculture. Sea 

 Grant institutions should be encouraged to increase their outreach efforts, work 

 with other universities and organizations, and collaborate with private groups in 

 aquaculture development. i • j 



We are also looking towards combining aquaculture efforts with other industries 

 to alleviate the normal funding problems encountered by most research and develop- 

 ment institutions. We are investigating the development of a facility which will com- 

 bine income producing activities with R&D efforts in marine aquaculture and fish- 

 eries enhancement. The tri-fold goal of the project is to construct a marine museum 

 with associated tourist activities, a water quality testing laboratory, and a marine 

 finfish aquaculture facility all at a common center. Income derived from the labora- 

 tory, museum, and tourist related concessions will support the aquaculture efforts. 

 The facility would provide public education, water quality imorovement, and devel- 

 opment of the necessary technologies to advance marine finfish aquaculture for fish- 

 eries enhancement and economic development. , v r j i 



Legislatively, marine aquaculture must have a coherent national policy lor devel- 

 opment. Coordination between all regulatory agencies, state and federal, is manda- 

 tory. Permitting must be streamlined. CZM should be encouraged to establish aqua- 

 culture as a preferred use for coastal areas. Perhaps regional zones for aquaculture 

 could be established. States need incentives to develop the necessary policies and 

 procedures to encourage aquaculture. The point is that presently it is extremely dif- 

 ficult for marine aquaculture to exist, let alone grow. We are speaking of the devel- 

 opment of an industry that can contribute to the balance of trade, provide jobs, and 

 combine with traditional fisheries to rebuild depleted stocks and keep fishermen em- 

 ployed. Finally, marine aquaculture is, by necessity, an environmentally friendly in- 

 dustry. We need good water quality for a successful project. Water quality monitor- 

 ing implemented by aquaculture in Nantucket has led to the identification and re- 

 mediation of pollution problems. r t- \. ■ 



We have an opportunity to lead in the development of aquaculture lor lishenes 

 enhancement of traditionally fished species and the creation of a new marine indus- 

 try. Aquaculture, combined with other enhancement and habitat remediation pro- 

 grams, can help restore the once valuable and productive waters of the Northeast. 

 As in Nantucket, commercial fishermen can continue to earn a living from the ocean 

 while, at the same time, restoring the native stocks. 



EXCERPTS FROM A LETTER TO JOHN BULLARD 



The Nantucket Research and Education Foundation (NREF) was formed to con- 

 duct scientific research and educational programs in aquaculture, water quality, 

 fisheries, natural resources and computer modeling. Programs begun on Nantucket 

 will be expanded to other communities and eventually impact the entire region. Our 

 goals are to promote and develop aquaculture, revitalize the fishing industry and 

 protect water quality and natural resources. Our educational programs target stu- 

 dents, fishermen, the scientific community and the public. We work closely with 

 other communities establishing programs in these areas, assisting in fundraising, 

 and coordinating projects with outside institutions. Presently, projects are underway 

 with Harvard University, University of Connecticut, Duke University, Harbor 

 Branch Oceanographic Institute, and the University of Massachusetts. Since testify- 

 ing before the Subcommittee on Fisheries and the Environment and presenting our 

 program during an aquaculture conference in South Carolina, Jim McVey of Sea 

 Grant, Hank Parker of JSA, John Burris of MBL and other aquaculture profes- 

 sionals have expressed interest in our program and its potential as a model lor a 

 national program. 



