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No Solvency

Ending subsidies would not end all aquaculture

FAO, 1992, Diagnosis of the Aquaculture Sub-sector, http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/009/ag184e/AG184E03.htm, ACC:12.20.08, p. online

The evaluation of carp culture economics by the mission, on the basis of information gathered in the field,

indicates that carp farming would be profitable without subsidies and would be more profitable if the

potential for increasing yields from ponds is achieved. Government funds could be used more effectively in

the development of a strong extension service, especially in the northern provinces. However, in view of

the tentative nature of the field data, it is recommended that an in-depth study of production economics be

carried out and the need for subsidies reassessed on the basis of the results.

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No Solvency US Not Key

US aquaculture is not the problem

Rebecca J. Golburg, Environmental Defense, Matthew S. Elliot, Environmental Defense, and Rosamund L. Naylor,

Stanford University, 2001, Marine Aquaculture in the United States: Environmental Impacts and Policy Options, Pew Oceans Commission,http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Protecting_ocean_life/env_pew_oceans_aquaculture.pdf , ACC:12.20.08, p. online

In the United States, the marine aquaculture industry is small and better regulated. It has not causedwidespread environmental problems. The present effects of U.S. aquaculture on the marine environment donot come close in gravity to many other environmental problems, including the decimation of wild stocksand habitats by the U.S. fishing industry (NRC, 1999b). Effects of marine aquaculture are minor comparedto changes in ocean temperature, coral bleaching, and coastal flooding likely from global warming (IPCC,2001).

Plan cant solve global aquaculture

Matthew Connolly, J.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut School of Law, 2005, Note: Thinking globally, acting locally:cleaning up global aquaculture through eco-labeling in the United States, Public Land & Resources Law Review, 26 Pub. Land &

Resources L. Rev. 121, p. L/N

Eco-labeling is preferable to domestic regulation because of the global scope of the problem.

Environmentalists and industry alike complain that the US's piecemeal approach of regulating aquaculture

through a myriad of state and federal law is both burdensome and ineffective because it is applied

inconsistently.110However, even more effective domestic aquaculture regulation would have only a small

impact on global aquaculture because the US is a net importer.111While much of the imports come from

developed nations with their own regulatory schemes in place, the majority comes from developing nations

where regulation is weak or nonexistent. 112 No changes in US regulation of domestic fish farms, be they

command and control regulation, taxes, or subsidies, will affect the unsustainable practices [*133] of Thai

shrimp farmers or Chilean salmon farmers. Developing nations have a disincentive to regulate aquaculturebecause it would hurt their competitive advantage over developed nations. 113 Eco-labeling avoids the

limitation of traditional domestic regulation (command and control regulation, taxes, subsidies, etc.) by

providing an incentive to all producers, regardless of location, to lessen environmental harm from their

operations.

World market growth has a larger impact than U.S. aquaculture

Dr. Gunnar Knapp, Professor of Economics @ the University of Alaska, July 2008, Chapter 8: Potential Economic Impacts ofU.S. Offshore Aquaculture, Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications & Opportunities,

http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

Table 8.7 depicts either/or situations in which fishermen, fish farmers and consumers are either all

American or all foreign. However, the situation most relevant to discussion of U.S. offshore aquaculture is

one in which consumers may include both foreigners and Americans, and fish farmers may include both

foreigners and Americans. The relevant policy issue for discussion of U.S. offshore aquaculture is how

U.S. production may affect Americans, given that foreign aquaculture production is likely to grow

with major effects on world seafood marketsregardless of the extent of U.S. production.

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No Solvency US Not Key

US aquaculture is inevitable and beneficial

Rebecca J. Golburg, Environmental Defense, Matthew S. Elliot, Environmental Defense, and Rosamund L. Naylor,

Stanford University, 2001, Marine Aquaculture in the United States: Environmental Impacts and Policy Options, Pew Oceans Commission,http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Protecting_ocean_life/env_pew_oceans_aquaculture.pdf , ACC:12.20.08, p. online

Nevertheless, there are strong reasons to do more to address the environmental effects of U.S. aquaculture.Aquaculture may be the only means to markedly increase seafood production, and can be less detrimentalto marine ecosystems than fishing. Moreover, aquaculture may be a more desirable way to raise animalprotein than terrestrial production. Contrasted with other meats, farming fish is a relatively efficient meansof supplying protein (Forster, 1999b), mainly because fish are coldblooded and have low metabolic rates.In short, aquaculture is here to stay; the challenge is to ensure the young and growing industry develops ina sustainable manner and does not cause serious ecological damage.

The US isnt key to halt global aquaculture

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade , 7-1-05, Contribution to the Discussion on theFramework for Disciplines on Fisheries Subsidies Aquaculture, http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/0--Trade-

archive/WTO/0--fish-subsidies/0-fishsubsidies-1-july-05.php, ACC: 12.20.08, p. online

The FAO reports that world fish consumption more than tripled over the period 1961 2002, increasing

from 29 to 100.7 million tonnes.[5] Global fisheries production has doubled since 1973, reaching 133

million tonnes in 2002 [6]Global exports of fisheries products in 2001 (the latest available figures) totalled

27.2 million tonnes.[7] We note that these figures do not differentiate between production levels for high

and low value fisheries products. Recently the major increases in global fisheries production have been

attributed to aquaculture fisheries production, rather than wild capture production. In particular, output

from aquaculture (excluding aquatic plants) grew at an annual average rate of 9.1 per cent from 1971 -

2001, compared to a rate of 1.2 per cent growth in wild capture fisheries.[8]The FAO considers thatincreases in aquaculture production will need to continue in order to meet future global consumption

demands, particularly because, most capture fisheries are at or near their production limits.[9] Asia

produced 88.5 per cent of world aquaculture output (excluding aquatic plants) in 2001. Asia is expected to

continue to produce the bulk of aquaculture output by 2020, and all regions are forecast to expand

aquaculture production.[10]

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Aqua Good (Generic)

At the very least, SUBSIDIES go towards good aquaculture practices

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade , 7-1-05, Contribution to the Discussion on theFramework for Disciplines on Fisheries Subsidies Aquaculture, http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/0--Trade-archive/WTO/0--fish-subsidies/0-fishsubsidies-1-july-05.php, ACC: 12.20.08, p. online

We note that some WTO Members have notified to the WTO Subsidies Committee various programmes

which could be considered relating to aquaculture. Some examples of the types of fisheries subsidies,

which may encompass aquaculture, notified by WTO Members are:

subsidies for inland hatching fisheries to mitigate the environmental effects of dam construction[15]

subsidies for land improvement, acquisition of land and agricultural mechanization [16]

subsidies to assist with the implementation of programmes for the promotion of sustainable fisheries to

ensure the stable, safe and efficient supply of food to people[17]

subsidies to both regional governments and non-governmental organisations for the promotion of

aquaculture to assist with the sustainable management of fisheries resources [18]

subsidies for the development of commercial fisheries for marketing and aquaculture research for non-

salmon species [19]

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Aqua Good (Overfishing)

Aquaculture subsidies key to reduce overfishing of wild fish stocks

Diego Valderrama, PhD Candidate @ the University of Rhode Island, MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries from the University

of Arkansas, and Dr. James Anderson, Chairman of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics @ the

University of Rhode Island, Editor of Marine Resource Economics, July 2008, Chapter 9: Interactions Between Capture Fisheriesand AquacultureOffshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications & Opportunities,

http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

In addition to the price interactions, it has been suggested that aquaculture may contribute to the recovery

of overexploited wild stocks, as reduced prices lead to lower fishing effort. These interactions were

formally analyzed by Anderson (1985) and Ye and Beddington (1996). Andersons analysis showed that

the entry of aquaculture reduces effort and increases total supply from open-access fisheries while raising

natural fish stocks. Because aquaculture enhances efficiency in the capture fishery while increasing

availability of fish to consumers, aquaculture development is regarded by some as a much more effective

management tool relative to traditional measures of effort control. In a related analysis, Green and Kahn

(1997) found similar results and used them to argue for public subsidization of aquaculture.

Aquaculture key to solve overfishing

Matthew Connolly, J.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut School of Law, 2005, Note: Thinking globally, acting locally:cleaning up global aquaculture through eco-labeling in the United States, Public Land & Resources Law Review, 26 Pub. Land &

Resources L. Rev. 121, p. L/N

The world faces an epidemic in overexploited wild fisheries. 21 Aquaculture is a way of meeting the global

demand for fish while avoiding the large-scale depletion of wild fish stocks. Nonetheless, wild fisheries

still suffer from the "tragedy of the commons." 22Fishermen have an incentive to take as many fish as they

can, leading to resource depletion. 23 Aquaculture is a potential means to avoid the "tragedy of the

commons." 24 In the case of a fish farm, the fish are already owned, and the owner has the motivation tosustain the supply. 25 In theory, only the law of supply and demand limits aquaculture production.

Production could increase until supply meets demand, a condition that is a practical impossibility for wild

fisheries. [*124]

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Aqua Good Overfishing Extn

Aquaculture key to solve overfishing

Ronald J. Rychlak, Professor of Law @ the University of Mississippi, 1997, Ocean Aquaculture, Fordham EnvironmentalLaw Journal, 8 Fordham Envtl. Law J. 497, p. L/N

One possible solution to the fish shortage is aquaculture. It is unlikely that one will ever hear a commercial

aquaculturist complain that his or her pond has been over-fished and that is why the harvest is low. 30

Aquaculturists protect their crop and have a clear economic incentive to keep the fish supply strong and

[*502] healthy. The trick is to create a similar incentive for the protection of ocean fisheries. The art of

rearing aquatic organisms,31was developed in China between 3500 and 4000 years ago, 32 but because of

the historically abundant natural catch, the practice lagged in the United States.33In the 1970s, many

American fisheries reached maximum sustainable yields and some were overexploited. During this time,

aquaculture began to receive focused attention, 34 culminating with passage of the National Aquaculture

Act ("NAA") in 1980.35The NAA recognized the aquaculture industry as a source for "augmenting

existing commercial and recreational fisheries . . . and for producing other renewable resources, thereby

assisting the United States in meeting its future food needs and contributing to the solution of world

resource problems." 36 Since that time, aquaculture has become a thriving industry in many states.37Most

trout and catfish served in this nation's restaurants, as well as a significant portion of crawfish and oysters,

are now farm raised. 38 Abalone, salmon, and shrimp are [*503] also cultivated in various aquaculture

programs. 39 Aquaculturists have been very successful in keeping this nation's kitchens, restaurants, and

grocery stores well-stocked. In addition, to the extent that aquaculture reduces the demand for ocean fish, it

helps fish stocks in the oceans. If, however, the goal is not simply to increase a food source, but to restore

depleted ocean stocks, aquaculture as it is currently practiced in this country will not work. In order to

harvest the fish that they develop, aquaculturists need to keep the fish in a confined area. 40Thus, they

either build artificial ponds that have no access to the open sea, or they keep the fish in a silo or other man-

made device that is both contained and easy-to-harvest. 41

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Aqua Good (Food)

Aquaculture subsidies key to food production

Jansen Anderman-Hahn, JD at Vermont, Summer 2006 Note: Net pens with adaptive management: How to manage theexpansion of aquaculture using the clean water act, 30 Vt. L. Rev. 1007, p. L/N

The United States's seafood demands continue to increase,n22and the United States continues to import

the majority of its seafood, causing it to operate at a six-billion-dollar-per-year-seafood-trade deficit.n23

Meanwhile, global "wild" fisheries are declining at an unprecedented level. n24 In fact, the FAO estimates

that fifty-two percent of global marine fisheries are currently "fully exploited." n25 In response to these

numbers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) states that the promotion of

[*1011] aquaculture is a national objective, n26 and the Department of Commerce (DOC) is set to

quintuple the national yield of seafood produced from aquaculture by the year 2025.n27The NOAA

allocates approximately twelve to fourteen million for aquaculture development and the USDA's budget for

aquaculture is approximately fifty million. n28Economic incentives are also present in the form of

traditional farm subsidies, n29 and matching funds are available to build aquaculture facilities for

commercial production. n30

Aquaculture key to solve food shortages

Matthew Connolly, J.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut School of Law, 2005, Note: Thinking globally, acting locally:cleaning up global aquaculture through eco-labeling in the United States, Public Land & Resources Law Review, 26 Pub. Land &

Resources L. Rev. 121, p. L/N

Population growth in developing nations is occurring nearly six times faster than in the developed world,

with the poorest subset of nations experiencing the highest rate of all. 26The population of less developed

nations is expected to increase from 4.9 billion currently to 7.7 billion by 2050. 27 As discussed above,

global demand for fish has grown and supply has fallen. This has raised the price of wild fish and changed

how fish are consumed.28Fish was the "poor man's protein" because of its affordability and accessibilityin developing nations. 29The "Blue Revolution" (as aquaculture's dramatic expansion has been dubbed) 30

has the potential to mitigate this condition by providing cheaper and more abundant supplies of fish. Just as

the "Green Revolution" in terrestrial agriculture helped developing nations by dramatically increasing

productivity through the use of pesticides and technologically enhanced seeds, this "Blue Revolution" can

also bring relief to populations at risk of food shortages. In fact, aquaculture's expansion has already led

organizations such as the FAO to recognize its importance in meeting the needs of the expanding world

population. 31 Aquaculture could be a boon to developing nations both in terms of food security and

attracting foreign capital. Small-scale, pond aquaculture is a possible solution to problems of food

shortages because it does not require access to large amounts of capital or technical expertise 32 and is a

highly efficient way to produce food on a small-scale. Aquaculture could also benefit those not directly

involved by providing affordable food to local communities. 33 Similar subsistence methods could be

practiced in much of the developing world, enhancing food security for rapidly growing populations.

Furthermore, the environmental impact of this type of subsistence aquaculture is minimal. 34Large-scalemarine aquaculture could also benefit developing nations. As demand for fish in the developed world rises,

developing nations are increasingly promoting large-scale fish farming operations. 35 Such large [*125]

scale projects are a means of attracting foreign investment. 36 Job creation and foreign investment could

help developing nations meet the needs of their growing populations.

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Aqua Good Food Extns

Aquacultures key to food production

Erin R. Englebrecht, Founder of Defenders of Wildlifes State Biodiversity Project, Articles Editor for the Emory Law Journal,

Summer 2002, Comment: Can aquaculture continue to circumvent the regulatory net of the Magnuson-Stevens FisheryConservation and Management Act? This Comment received the 2002 Mary Laura "Chee" Davis Award for the best Comment by a

Candidate for the Board of the Emory Law Journal, 51 Emory L.J. 1187, p. L/N

Habitat loss is causing a dramatic decline in the nation's marine and anadromous n2 fisheries. n3While thedomestic supply of seafood is decreasing, the public's demand is rising, n4and the United States hasconsequently incurred a $ 7 billion seafood trade deficit. n5To address these issues, Congress appropriatesmillions annually for the research and development of seafood aquaculture - the artificial propagation offish for food. n6 Over the last two decades, aquaculture has become one of the nation's fastest growing foodproduction industries. n7

Aquaculture key to food production

Rebecca J. Golburg, Environmental Defense, Matthew S. Elliot, Environmental Defense, and Rosamund L. Naylor,

Stanford University, 2001, Marine Aquaculture in the United States: Environmental Impacts and Policy Options, Pew Oceans Commission,http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Protecting_ocean_life/env_pew_oceans_aquaculture.pdf , ACC:12.20.08, p. online

Most Americans would be surprised to discover that their last seafood meal may have been raised on a farmrather than caught in the wild. Farmed fish (finfish and shellfish) supply one-third of the seafood thatpeople eat worldwide, and that fraction is increasing (Tacon and Forster, 2000). In the United States,aquaculture provides almost all of the catfish and trout people consume, along with roughly half of theshrimp and salmon. Aquaculture is an increasingly important contributor to our diet and some expertsassert it is the fastest-growing segment of U.S. agriculture.

Aquaculture key to supply fish catch fisheries cant produce

Rebecca J. Golburg, Environmental Defense, Matthew S. Elliot, Environmental Defense, and Rosamund L. Naylor,

Stanford University, 2001, Marine Aquaculture in the United States: Environmental Impacts and Policy Options, Pew Oceans Commission,http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Protecting_ocean_life/env_pew_oceans_aquaculture.pdf , ACC:12.20.08, p. online

Since the mid-1990s, total global wild fisheries catch has plateaued at roughly 185 to 200 billion pounds(85 to 90 million t) (FAO, 2000b). At the same time, growing human population and affluence areincreasing the demand for seafood. As a result, the global per capita supply of seafood from capturefisheries dropped from 23.99 pounds per person (10.88 kg) in 1984 to 23.32 pounds (10.58 kg) in 1998(Tacon and Forster, 2000). Scientists, governments, and international organizations all point to aquaculture

as the most important means to boost per capita fish supply.

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Aqua Good Food Extns

Aquacultures key to produce enough fish for projected consumptionincreases

Dr. James Anderson, Chairman of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics @ the University of

Rhode Island, Editor of Marine Resource Economics, and Gina Shamshak, John A. Knauss Sea Grant Fellow, July 2008,Chapter 11: Future Markets for Aquaculture Products, Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations,

Implications & Opportunities,http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

In a recent study, Delgado et al. (2003) projected the global demand for seafood will grow 38% from 133

million metric tons (mmt) in 1999/2000 to approximately 183 mmt in 2015. This represents an annual

increase of about 2.1%, compared to an annual growth rate of 3.1% over the prior two decades. They

expect 46% of this growth to come from population increases and 54% to come from economic

development and other factors. Their report also projects the source of the supply required to meet the

forecasted demand. They expect that 73% will come from aquaculture, while most traditional capture

fisheries are expected to stagnate. Only 27% of the growth in supply is expected to come from traditional

fisheries. In particular, they expect the share of supply derived from pelagic and demersal fisheries todecline.

Aquacultures key to stable fish supply

Dr. James Anderson, Chairman of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics @ the University of

Rhode Island, Editor of Marine Resource Economics, and Gina Shamshak, John A. Knauss Sea Grant Fellow, July 2008,Chapter 11: Future Markets for Aquaculture Products, Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations,

Implications & Opportunities,http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

In addition to increasing global seafood supplies, the aquaculture sector also provides seafood markets with

characteristics that traditional fisheries are often unable to provide. Aquaculture species are often not as

influenced by seasonal and environmental fluctuations in supply, unlike wild fisheries (such as wild-caught

salmon) which have season-specific supply spikes, followed by periods of no availability. This consistency

in the supply of a species is preferable to processors and distributors, who can make production and

marketing decisions throughout the year instead of over a concentrated period of time. Consumers also

benefit from year-round availability of a species, allowing demand to grow as consumption becomes more

frequent. In aquaculture, product forms do not have to be limited to frozen, as is often the case for many

wild fisheries. Furthermore, year-round trade in fresh or live species is also possible for several species.

Given the standardized production of aquaculture species, producers are able to supply a homogeneous

product of similar size, quality, and consistency throughout the year. For example, a catfish fillet harvested

and sold in March is essentially identical in size and quality to a catfish fillet sold in December, owing to

consistency in the production process. Processors, distributors, consumers, and the market all benefit from

this reliability in supply, quality, and form. Another important feature of aquaculture is the ability to predict

supply with a much lower variance than is the case in wild, traditional fisheries. The consistency in supplyand quality of aquacultured products are essential features for market development, especially with regard

to new and value-added products. Investors and marketers will seek out species that exhibit increasing

production trends, where, as demand grows so too can supplyfurther increasing market demand.

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Aqua Good Food Extns

Aquaculture key to food production

Jansen Anderman-Hahn, JD at Vermont, Summer 2006 Note: Net pens with adaptive management: How to manage theexpansion of aquaculture using the clean water act, 30 Vt. L. Rev. 1007, p. L/N

The great potential for sea farming recognized in the 1970s is now a reality. Currently, aquaculture, the

farming of aquatic organisms, is the fastest growing sector in the animal-food industry and has increased

from four percent of global seafood production in 1970 to thirty percent in 2002.n2That same year, the

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated 6,653 "aquaculture facilities" were operating in

the United States with a total of $ 1.1 billion in sales. n3 Aquaculture was valued in 2002 by the United

Nations at sixty billion.n4There is some consensus that in the near future, if trends continue, the majority

of fish consumed will be raised in aquaculture instead of caught from the wild.n5With the enactment of

the [*1008] National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2005, and other incentives for aquaculture discussed in

this Note, there is every indication that the trend will continue. n6 The Offshore Aquaculture Act

encourages the development of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an area of water that extends from

three to two hundred nautical miles from land, by allowing open-ocean aquaculture.n7The further

development of open-ocean aquaculture would result in an increased number of "net pen systems," which

are capable of placement in open water. n8 A coherent management plan is needed to contain the

environmental effects from these net pens.

More evidence key to avoid fish shortages

Dr. James Anderson, Chairman of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics @ the University of

Rhode Island, Editor of Marine Resource Economics, and Gina Shamshak, John A. Knauss Sea Grant Fellow, July 2008,Chapter 11: Future Markets for Aquaculture Products, Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations,

Implications & Opportunities,http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

Open-ocean aquaculture has the potential to contribute in two major ways. First, it would increase theglobal supply of seafood by providing an additional source of production. Recall that global demand for

seafood is expected to grow 38 percent between 1999/2000 and 2015. Additionally, open-ocean

aquaculture can provide a product that meets the needs of consumers and processors: a consistent, high-

quality product with a relatively stable and/or declining price.

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Aqua Good (Crunch)

Aquaculture solves the crunch

John Forster, Founder of Colombia River Fish Farms LLC, Current Director of four aquaculture companies, Member of the

NOAAs Marine Fishery Advisory Committee, July 2008, Chapter 3: Emerging Technologies in Marine Aquaculture, OffshoreAquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications & Opportunities,

http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

Aquaculture offers another response. By finding ways to use a greater proportion of the

Earths surface for food production, and by growing species that may be more efficient in converting

resources into animal tissue, aquaculture promises to change how the Earths capacity is presently

understood. The opportunities and possibilities identified in Table 3.5 touch upon this promise. It is

impossible to know how it will actually develop. Other factors besides simple resource considerations will

determine the ultimate outcome. But insofar as the future will be driven by the balance that is struck

between human needs and the Earths capacity to supply them, aquaculture in the oceans seems certain to

become increasingly important.

We need to let aquaculture continue to advance so we can startgrowing plants in the ocean too in order to maximize productivity

John Forster, Founder of Colombia River Fish Farms LLC, Current Director of four aquaculture companies, Member of the

NOAAs Marine Fishery Advisory Committee, July 2008, Chapter 12: Broader Issues in the Offshore Fish Farming Debate,Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications & Opportunities,

http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

The potential for offshore aquaculture in the long term may be larger and more profound than merely

providing additional production to meet our future needs for seafood. Our biosphere is powered by energy

received from the sun, two-thirds of which falls on the oceans. In turn, the oceans provide equable growing

conditions for plant life over their entire surface, resulting in an overall level of productivity already

comparable to that on land when, as yet, no serious attempt has been made to enhance it. Moreover, this

productivity and its potential enhancement are not dependent on inputs of freshwater as is terrestrial

agriculture, a dependency that may inhibit its expansion in some areas. The key to recovering more of this

energy and to making the oceans more productive is to develop a system of aquaculture that grows plants

as its primary source production, with animal protein being produced secondarily, just as is done in

terrestrial agriculture today. For reasons explained below, it will take many decades and much

experimentation before methods are perfected to be able to do this. Marine aquaculture, as practiced today,

is simply a first stage in this process, and it is important that it is seen in this context because it is too easy,

otherwise, to misinterpret it and to under-estimate the environmental and economic benefits it will bring.

For the same reason, it is also important to start thinking about what might be involved in a plant-based

Marine Agronomy, in order to help guide a development process that could not only ease pressure on our

natural fisheries but could, eventually, reduce the demands we now make on the land and even on thebiosphere itself. At a time when the prospect of global warming threatens human existence as we know it, it

is surely an oversight that we use two-thirds of the Earths surface for little more than hunting and

navigation.

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Aqua Good Crunch Extns

Aquaculture key to support growing global population

Rosamond L. Naylor, Stanford University Institute for International Studies, Rebecca J. Goldburg, Jurgenne H. Primavera, Nils

Kautsky, Malcolm C. M. Beveridge, Jason Clay, Carl Folke , Jane Lubchenco, Harold Mooney and Max Troell, et al., 6-29-00,Effect of aquaculture on world fish supplies Nature 405, pp. 1017-1024

The worldwide decline of ocean fisheries stocks has provided impetus for rapid growth in fish and shellfish

farming, or aquaculture. Between 1987 and 1997, global production of farmed fish and shellfish

(collectively called 'fish') more than doubled in weight and value, as did its contribution to world fish

supplies1. Fish produced from farming activities currently accounts for over one-quarter of all fish directly

consumed by humans. As the human population continues to expand beyond 6 billion, its reliance on

farmed fish production as an important source of protein will also increase.

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Aqua Good (Trade)

Aquaculture key to solve trade deficit

Food and Water Watch, Nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food, October

2007, Fishy Farms: The Problems With Open Ocean Aquaculture,www.foodandwaterwatch.org/fish/fish-farming/fishy-farms/FishyFarms.pdf, ACC: 12.20.08, p. iv

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, ispromoting open ocean aquaculture as a way to reduce the countrys $9.2 billion seafood trade deficit andease pressures on decimated wild marine fish populations. The government has spent more than $25million supporting four experimental fish farms, as well as research into this technology, which involvesgrowing tens of thousands of fish in cages anchored to the seafloor between three and 200 miles off theU.S. coast. The government wants to open public waters for the potential construction of thousands of thesecages.

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Aqua Good (Environment)

Aquacultures help the environment

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade , 7-1-05, Contribution to the Discussion on theFramework for Disciplines on Fisheries Subsidies Aquaculture, http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/0--Trade-archive/WTO/0--fish-subsidies/0-fishsubsidies-1-july-05.php, ACC: 12.20.08, p. online

Points for consideration: Land-based and maritime aquaculture fisheries, in some WTO member countries,

can be stocked using the progeny of brood stock fish caught in wild capture areas that may already be over-

exploited by wild capture fishing. Further, some forms of aquaculture production (e.g. tuna) rely entirely on

sourcing juveniles from wild capture fisheries, which may further drive pressure on wild fish stocks. Also,

given the high demand for marine protein in aquaculture feed, aquaculture may also result in further

pressures on wild stocks such as small pelagics commonly used in aquaculture feed.[20] However, we note

however that research indicates that catches of species used for aquaculture fishmeal have remained static

despite significant increases in aquaculture production over the last 20 years.[21]Aquaculture may have

positive environmental affects. For example, it may be used to support re-stocking, re-seeding and

ranching processes which can improve wild capture and recreational fisheries.

The benefits of aquaculture on key environments far outweighs thenegatives

Diego Valderrama, PhD Candidate @ the University of Rhode Island, MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries from the University

of Arkansas, and Dr. James Anderson, Chairman of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics @ the

University of Rhode Island, Editor of Marine Resource Economics, July 2008, Chapter 9: Interactions Between Capture Fisheriesand AquacultureOffshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications & Opportunities,

http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

Aquaculture practices have had some extensive influence on habitat. For example, pioneering shrimpfarms negatively impacted mangrove forests in tropical countries. In some locations, excessive finfish cage

culture has resulted in the destruction of benthic habitat and created pollution. But there are also examples

of positive aquaculture influence on habitat. The relocation of shrimp farms to zones above mangrove

forests has paralleled increases in mangrove cover areas (Fast and Menasveta, 2003; Lutz, 2001). Oyster

culture has contributed positively to reef development, which increases the diversity of fish in the area. Net

pens also create habitat for marine species and act as fish aggregating devices. In a recent study, Rensel

and Foster (2007) quantified the types and volumes of biocolonization at a commercial net-pen fish farm

site in North Puget Sound in Washington State. The study showed that a typical fish pen system is

populated by a diverse group of over 100 species of seaweeds or invertebrates, providing a locally

important component of the food web. Many of the conflicts concerning habitat use, siting of aquaculture

facilities, and other environmental interactions can be addressed through integrated ecosystem-based

management approaches to aquaculture development. McVey et al. (2006) and other authors (Dumbauld et

al., 2006; Bridger, 2004; Cicin-Sain et al., 2001) offer valuable insights on how this could be achieved.

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A2 Aqua Hurts Environment

Environmental problems are inevitable but aquaculture at least has apurpose that leads toward sustainable, environmentally sound foodproduction

John Forster, Founder of Colombia River Fish Farms LLC, Current Director of four aquaculture companies, Member of the

NOAAs Marine Fishery Advisory Committee, July 2008, Chapter 12: Broader Issues in the Offshore Fish Farming Debate,Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications & Opportunities,

http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

Some of the discourse about marine aquaculture is focused upon concerns about actual or hypothetical

environmental impacts. It is suggested, however, that it would be better instead to talk about environmental

costs or the use of environmental services. Man could not survive without incurring such costs or using

such services, and it is hardly surprising that the costs imposed by six billion people (soon to be eight

billion) appear to be pushing the environment toward bankruptcyconsumption of food being one the

main drivers. Yet no one suggests that humans should not eat, so the only solution, if there is one, is to seek

to minimize the costs incurred or services used in producing what we need. This raises two points ofprinciple which merit discussion and which; as is often the case in debate about aquaculture, take the

discourse into a much broader realm of philosophy and mans purpose in life. First, though we are

confronted by great environmental challenges, is it an appropriate response merely to try to conserve rather

than to seek instead to manage and build on the resources that have been given to us? Second is the

concept of relative costs, or comparative ecological footprints. As we strive to build on our resources, there

will be environmental costs and risks that things will not always go as expected. There is no hiding from

the fact that in the short and medium term, as an offshore aquaculture industry strives to develop it may

(like any aquaculture operation elsewhere) incur ecological costs, including:

use of feed materials from several external sources;

discharge of wastes into marine waters;

the potential for escapes of domesticated stock which, if they breed with wild stock, may impact them

genetically; and

the potential for release of pathogens if farmed stock become infected, which may then heighten the risksof disease in wild stock.

All of these actual or potential costs will either draw on environmental services or risk negative

environmental consequences. But are these more or less than the burdens imposed by other forms of food

production, such as deforestation or soil erosion in terrestrial agriculture, or degradation by certain

commercial fisheries at sea? It is impossible to satisfy humanitys need for food with zero impact.

Therefore, in weighing the possible impacts of a new form of food productionsuch as offshore

aquaculturethe alternatives must be compared.

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Aqua Good (Poverty)

Aquaculture key to solve poverty

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade , 7-1-05, Contribution to the Discussion on theFramework for Disciplines on Fisheries Subsidies Aquaculture, http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/0--Trade-archive/WTO/0--fish-subsidies/0-fishsubsidies-1-july-05.php, ACC: 12.20.08, p. online

Points for consideration: Aquaculture is "one of the fastest growing food producing sectors of the world

and has achieved a reputation as a significant contributor to poverty alleviation, food security and income

generation".[22]According to the FAO, developing countries contributed over 90 per cent of the total

global aquaculture fisheries production.[23]The FAO forecasts that by 2010 fisheries production

(including from aquaculture fisheries) will be outweighed by demand for fisheries products which will

result in severe restrictions on trade.[24] Accordingly, the effect of a prohibition on subsidies to

aquaculture fisheries would be felt even more keenly in developing countries in these forecast

circumstances.

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Aqua Good (Fish Industry)

Theres only a risk of a link aquaculture can only benefit an industryalready weakened by globalization

Dr. Michael Rubino, Manager of NOAAs Aquaculture Program, CEO of Bluewaters, Inc an aquaculture research and

development company, and former Vice-Chairman of the State of Marylands Aquaculture Advisory Committee, July 2008,Chapter 1: Introduction, Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications & Opportunities,

http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

What is also clear and often missing from the discussion of competition is that competition will exist

with or without domestic aquaculture. The marketplace is global and demand for seafood products is

growing. The United States cannot meet consumer seafood demand through wild caught fishing activities

alone. Seafood imports and other forms of protein, such as beef and chicken, already provide significant

competition. Seafood business executives speaking at the National Marine Aquaculture Summit said that if

seafood is not available from U.S. sources, their customers are demanding that they get it somewhere else

(NMFS 2007b). The challenge therefore is to integrate aquaculture into domestic seafood production so

that U.S. boat owners, fishermen, processors, and marketing companies can benefit directly.

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Aqua Good Fish Industry Extns

US aquaculture can be competitive

Dr. Gunnar Knapp, Professor of Economics @ the University of Alaska, July 2008, Chapter 2: Economic Potential for U.S.Offshore Aquaculture: An Analytical Approach, Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications &

Opportunities,http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

U.S. offshore farms can compete with lower-cost foreign inshore farms if their costs are similar to foreign

offshore costs, and if demand expands sufficiently so that lower-cost U.S. and foreign inshore sites are

fully utilized, causing prices to increase to levels at which U.S. offshore farming is profitable (Figure

2.8A). U.S. offshore farms can compete with lower-cost foreign inshore or offshore farms if U.S. offshore

farms are able to command a price premium over the world market price; for example, due to lower costs

of transport to the U.S. market or perceived higher quality (Figure 2.8B).

Close proximity will allow US aquacultures to dominate the market

Dr. Gunnar Knapp, Professor of Economics @ the University of Alaska, July 2008, Chapter 2: Economic Potential for U.S.Offshore Aquaculture: An Analytical Approach, Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications &

Opportunities,http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

One of the most important competitive advantages of U.S. offshore farming may be the shorter distance to

U.S. markets. This is particularly important for fresh fish which would have to be shipped by air to reach

U.S. markets. It is relatively less important for the large-scale production of frozen fish. In the future,

food miles could become an important factor for some markets where consumers or buyers are concerned

about greenhouse gas releases associated with food production and transportation. If so, this would tend to

favor domestic producers of fish in supplying the U.S. market. Note that this transportation cost advantage

would not apply equally to all U.S. offshore aquaculture production. Alaska, in particular, is located a

significant distance from U.S. markets.

US infrastructure offsets any potential market disadvantages for USaquaculture

Dr. Gunnar Knapp, Professor of Economics @ the University of Alaska, July 2008, Chapter 2: Economic Potential for U.S.Offshore Aquaculture: An Analytical Approach, Offshore Aquaculture in the United States: Economic Considerations, Implications &

Opportunities,http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/pdf/econ/econ_rpt_all.pdf, ACC: 12.28.08, p. online

With the significant exception of many parts of Alaska, the United States has a highly developed physical

and service infrastructureroads, airports, utilities, construction services, vessel repair and maintenance

services, electronics installation and repair services, for example. This represents a competitive advantage

for the Unite