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The new members, announced today, will join the coalition of award-winning chefs, environmental groups, and industry leaders ahead of the World Aquaculture Society’s annual Aquaculture America conference in San Antonio, where the CSA will have a booth.
“Done right, offshore aquaculture will be a cornerstone of a healthy, sustainable U.S. seafood economy,” said Captain Scott Hickman, a commercial fisherman, and one of the new members to join the CSA, according to a press release from the organisation.
“It can complement wild-caught fishing and help meet the demand for locally sourced seafood,” he added.
Food and Planet - a non-profit promoting sustainable food systems - and RETI Center - an education organization focused on community-based climate solutions - were also amongst the new members announced this morning.
“Our support for the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture stems from our commitment to fostering truly sustainable food systems that nourish both people and the planet and represent the diverse cultural foodways in the U.S.,” said Dr. Chris Vogliano, co-founder and director of Global Research at Food and Planet.
“By championing domestically produced sustainable aquaculture, we pave the way for a future where the bounty of our oceans not only sustains human life, but contributes to the well-being and regeneration of our aquatic ecosystems for generations to come,” he added.
Angelo San Pablo - a graduate student who works with one of the largest global aquaculture feed manufacturers to improve and expand their carbon reporting systems - and Poppy Brittingham - a graduate student who provides support to Environmental Defense Fund on issues including climate change impacts on fisheries, social-ecological resilience, and aquaculture - were amongst several graduate students to join the coalition.
“U.S. waters have great potential in providing a sustainable, nutritious supply of seafood through aquaculture,” said Angelo San Pablo.
“In addition to improving the accessibility of seafood, aquaculture can also contribute to restorative and regenerative initiatives in the U.S. - strategies that are essential and can provide breakthroughs in the face of climate change,” San Pablo added.
