• Limits on Production—The limits placed on the amount of fish grown annually,
termed Maximum Sustainable Yield and Optimum Yield to be consistent with
fisheries terminology, was 29 M kg round weight. The amount represented the
average landings of all marine species in the Gulf. The Council set production
limits for individual farms at 5.8 M kg so there was a diversity of producers.
• Species Grown—Utilizing MSA to regulate offshore aquaculture requires the
species cultured must be in the portfolio of native species managed by the
Council. Native species not under Council management may be cultured without
a NOAA permit. Both the Rules and the Plan expressly prohibit culture of
genetically modified and transgenic animals.
• Site Size—There is no limit on the size of a farm site. But, sites have to be twice
as large as the combined area of the allowable aquaculture systems (e.g., cages
and net pens) to allow for best management practices such as the rotation of
systems for fallowing.
• Method of Site Disposition and Terms—The disposition process uses a permit
to gain site access. The term for an initial aquaculture permit, which is issued by
NOAA, is 10 years. Renewal periods for projects in good standing are in 5 year
increments with no limits on number.
• Cost of Permit—The permit cost was determined through a government formula
that is aimed at administrative cost recovery. The initial permit fee is $10,000
and a $1000 fee would be assessed annually. Each 5 year renewal would cost
$5000. A permit is transferrable to a new owner.
• Bond for Facility Removal—The applicant is required to obtain an assurance
bond sufficient to cover the costs associated with removing all components of
the facility, including the stock. This is a precautionary step to reduce the
potential for navigational hazards and environmental impacts if structures
remain after the operation has terminated.
Description of the Application
• Required information includes: business, applicant and hatchery contact information; documentation of U.S. citizenship or resident alien status; a baseline
environmental assessment of the proposed site (content requirements in preparation); a description of the geographic location and dimensions of the aquaculture facility and site; a description of equipment, allowable aquaculture
systems, and methods to be used for growout; a list of species to be cultured and
estimated production levels; a copy of an emergency disaster plan; and copies of
currently valid Federal permits applicable to the proposed operation.
• The applicant is required to obtain an assurance bond sufficient to cover costs
associated with removing all components of the facility, including cultured
animals.
• The applicant is required to provide a document certifying that all broodstock or
progeny of such broodstock were originally harvested from U.S. waters the Gulf of
9 Regulation and Permitting of Standalone …
199
termed Maximum Sustainable Yield and Optimum Yield to be consistent with
fisheries terminology, was 29 M kg round weight. The amount represented the
average landings of all marine species in the Gulf. The Council set production
limits for individual farms at 5.8 M kg so there was a diversity of producers.
• Species Grown—Utilizing MSA to regulate offshore aquaculture requires the
species cultured must be in the portfolio of native species managed by the
Council. Native species not under Council management may be cultured without
a NOAA permit. Both the Rules and the Plan expressly prohibit culture of
genetically modified and transgenic animals.
• Site Size—There is no limit on the size of a farm site. But, sites have to be twice
as large as the combined area of the allowable aquaculture systems (e.g., cages
and net pens) to allow for best management practices such as the rotation of
systems for fallowing.
• Method of Site Disposition and Terms—The disposition process uses a permit
to gain site access. The term for an initial aquaculture permit, which is issued by
NOAA, is 10 years. Renewal periods for projects in good standing are in 5 year
increments with no limits on number.
• Cost of Permit—The permit cost was determined through a government formula
that is aimed at administrative cost recovery. The initial permit fee is $10,000
and a $1000 fee would be assessed annually. Each 5 year renewal would cost
$5000. A permit is transferrable to a new owner.
• Bond for Facility Removal—The applicant is required to obtain an assurance
bond sufficient to cover the costs associated with removing all components of
the facility, including the stock. This is a precautionary step to reduce the
potential for navigational hazards and environmental impacts if structures
remain after the operation has terminated.
Description of the Application
• Required information includes: business, applicant and hatchery contact information; documentation of U.S. citizenship or resident alien status; a baseline
environmental assessment of the proposed site (content requirements in preparation); a description of the geographic location and dimensions of the aquaculture facility and site; a description of equipment, allowable aquaculture
systems, and methods to be used for growout; a list of species to be cultured and
estimated production levels; a copy of an emergency disaster plan; and copies of
currently valid Federal permits applicable to the proposed operation.
• The applicant is required to obtain an assurance bond sufficient to cover costs
associated with removing all components of the facility, including cultured
animals.
• The applicant is required to provide a document certifying that all broodstock or
progeny of such broodstock were originally harvested from U.S. waters the Gulf of
9 Regulation and Permitting of Standalone …
199