Oceanic Institute president
to help aquaculture group

Oceanic Institute President Bruce Anderson was recently selected as a member of a national task force created to address issues of open-ocean aquaculture.

The Marine Aquaculture Task Force will look at risks and benefits of aquaculture in the sea and recommend standards that do not harm fish, wildlife or the ecosystems.

Formation of the task force follows a recent announcement by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that a National Offshore Aquaculture Act has been submitted to Congress. It would authorize establishment of a regulatory system for offshore aquaculture.

Anderson, one of nine task force members representing science, industry, conservation and government, said, "I am honored to be asked to help the developing aquaculture industry find a sustainable and environmentally sound path to success.

"With Hawaii's tradition of farming and our experience with offshore aquaculture industry, our state can offer much knowledge and insight to the development of a nationwide aquaculture industry."

The task force will publish a report recommending national standards for sustainable aquaculture in 18 months.