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A future in offshore aquaculture seen for N.C.

NORTH CAROLINA - There are already offshore aquaculture pilot projects in other states. And a federal official said this week that North Carolina could benefit from following those states lead.

But the government must first develop safeguards to answer environmental concerns about such operations, said Timothy Keeney, deputy assistant secretary for oceans and atmosphere with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“I’m absolutely convinced there are tremendous opportunities, both in regards to sustainable resources and economics,” said Keeney, who was in Carteret County for an event Wednesday to celebrate habitat restoration. “I think that certainly in the next five to ten years you’re going to see a commercial level of production in offshore aquaculture.”

North Carolina, along with Alaska and parts of the Gulf Coast, stand to benefit, he said.

North Carolina has not yet taken a position on offshore aquaculture, said William Ross, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Source: The Daily News