Presenter(s): Tori Spence McConnell, Regional Aquaculture Coordinator, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office; Randie Hovatter (Moderator), Communications Specialist, NOAA Office of Aquaculture.

Sponsor(s): NOAA Office of Aquaculture

Seminar Contact(s): Randie Hovatter (randie.hovatter@noaa.gov)

Remote Access:
Register at https://noaanmfs-meets.webex.com/noaanmfs-meets/j.php?RGID=r7e0492ee7a8237a57a55be19f10e8dd5

Abstract: This installment of the NOAA Science Seminar Series is presented by the NOAA Office of Aquaculture. The webinar will consist of a 30-40 minute presentation, followed by moderated Q&A for the remainder of the hour. It is open to internal NOAA and external attendees. This session will be recorded. For your convenience, please register in advance. If you have any questions, please contact Randie Hovatter (randie.hovatter@noaa.gov).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) plans to work with the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) to establish an aquaculture management program in the Pacific Islands Region (PIR). NMFS prepared a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to support early planning for a future management program and evaluate the potential effects of alternatives under consideration. The final PEIS supports tiered environmental effects analyses in the future.

Although the management program is currently conceptual, aquaculture in Federal waters would be managed under revised Fishery Ecosystem Plans (FEPs) and their implementing regulations. Any future management program would be designed to regulate, manage, and promote the development of an environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture industry in Federal waters of the PIR. The program would enable NMFS and the Council to provide enhanced planning, coordination, and oversight of aquaculture in Federal waters, and is intended to help provide operational stability and maintain Council and NMFS commitments to sustainable and environmentally sound fisheries management.

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