Developed by California Environmental Associates (CEA), this report provides a global review of finfish aquaculture occurring in waters more than three miles from shore. It describes the relatively nascent status of the industry, with only a few countries currently producing farm-raised fish offshore. The report addresses economic factors that impact the profitability of facilities operating in open ocean conditions, including labor and capital costs, species value, the role of subsidies, and proximity to high-end markets. Their findings suggest that offshore finfish aquaculture will remain more expensive than nearshore marine aquaculture. The report also discusses how economic factors may impact growth of a United States industry. Although aquaculture is not a focus of the Packard Foundation’s U.S. Marine Strategy, we share this report to further inform stakeholders engaging in the issue. We recognize there is interest by some to establish offshore finfish aquaculture in U.S. waters. As a global leader in producing sustainable wild-caught seafood – the U.S. should take a similar science-based approach to ensure any future aquaculture development in our nation’s waters is done responsibly and sets a high bar for sustainability.
