Open Ocean Fish Farming
Introduction
Open Ocean Fish Farming, or offshore aquaculture, is an emerging approach to raise fish in open ocean waters utilizing submersible cages or net pens. Hawaii is the first in successfully operating commercial open ocean aquaculture cage in the U.S. Fish grow better and are healthier in this natural, high energy environment. The locations chosen for open ocean aquaculture are in deeper and less sheltered waters, far from shore and sensitive ecosystems. Strong ocean currents swept away feed residues and waste, which greatly reduces any environmental impact.
Open Ocean Fish Farming is a sustainable aquaculture method that lowers the risk of disease, provides a more humane and natural growing environment for fish, and won’t harm the environment, the oceans and sea life
The Hawaii archipelago is 1500 miles long with over 740 miles of coastline. The Hawaii Ocean leasing law allows farm operations in state warm, subtropical marine waters, within 3 miles of shore. In order to meet growing consumer demand, we need to farm the seas just like we have farmed the land. The modern, ever improving open ocean aquaculture technologies enable farmers to do so. Hawaii has the potential to be the world leader of open ocean fish farming being the pioneer in terms of aquaculture technology.
Success Story
Blue Ocean Mariculture (https://www.bofish.com/), situated in the offshore waters of Kona, has successfully raised and harvested Hawaiian Kampachi sustainably. The premium, sashimi-grade Hawaiian Kampachi is well received by Hawaii’s top chefs and restaurants, as well as the best sushi and “white tablecloth” restaurants throughout the rest of the country. Blue Ocean manages all aspects of its product’s life cycle to ensure the highest quality and least environmental impact.
Hawaii welcomes entrepreneurs and investors to establish new aquaculture businesses. Aquaculture and Livestock Support Services (ALSS) will facilitate the process.