The Hubbs-Seaworld Research Institute-the scientific arm of SeaWorld-is currently planning to place an open ocean aquaculture project in federal waters, five miles off the coast of San Diego, California.  If allowed to proceed, this project would be the largest open water marine aquaculture facility in North America.   A number of state and federal agencies are reviewing the Hubbs-SeaWorld project to determine whether it should move forward, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Unfortunately, right now, the Army Corps of Engineers is planning just one public hearing on this project - at Hubbs-SeaWorld very own facility in San Diego! Ask the Army Corps of Engineers to hold more than one public comment hearing on this unprecedented aquaculture project, in easily accessible places and in a neutral location where people can feel comfortable raising questions and concerns-not in the office of the Hubbs-SeaWorld.

Right now, there is simply not enough public information available about the project for it to be approved. We do know that similar endeavors elsewhere have caused problems for the marine environment and economy of coastal communities.  From ocean pollution to the massive consumption of small prey fish, open ocean aquaculture projects around the world have often resulted in unemployment and reduced recreational opportunities.  The potential problems from the Hubbs-SeaWorld project, one of unprecedented scale here in the U.S., are very troubling - tell the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that you want a fair chance to review and comment on the proposed project. 

Sincerely,

Sam Schabacker
Organizer, Fish Program
Food and Water Watch

http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26725

Thank you for coming to help keep ocean fish farms out of our federal waters. The Department of the Interior recently began its review of the Minerals Management Service's (MMS) proposed "Alternative Energy and Alternate Uses" plan. This plan will determine appropriate uses of existing energy facilities – like oil and gas platforms. Ask Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to prohibit ocean fish farms as alternate uses of energy platforms.

 The latest public version of the proposed "Alternate Use" rule included allowing ocean fish farms to be attached to energy platforms. Ocean fish farms – the mass-production of fish in floating pens or cages in open waters – can pollute our oceans and wildlife, and if allowed to develop on a large scale, could seriously jeopardize the health and economies of coastal communities nationwide. We want to ensure that new uses for energy facilities don't cause more harm than good. 

 Take action now and ask the Secretary of the Interior to prohibit them as an alternate use of energy platforms under this rule. To learn more about ocean fish farms, click the link below.>>Learn More