"Offshore Aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest," which is set to run on 9-10 September will look at the prospects of developing aquaculture operations in the deeper waters of the Pacific.
The US Goverment Accountability Office (GAO) reported earlier this year that there were no offshore aquaculture facilities in the US territorial seas accoring to a report in the Newport News Times.
The co-ordinator of teh September forum, Prof Chris Langdon of Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center told teh Newpaort News Times: "If current levels of per-capita fish consumption are to be maintained, aquaculture production will need to substantially increase to meet future consumer demands."
He added that Pacific Northwest "offers some unique opportunities to offshore aquaculture. Clean ocean waters will allow production of high-value, cold-water fish and shellfish species, while high wave and wind energy could provide offshore structures with sources of power. In addition, the region has a strong fishing community capable of participating in offshore operations."
The forum aims to bring together legislators, community leaders, scientists, and others with a wide range of expertise and interests to discuss this new - yet not-so-new - way to produce seafood in this region, and how to make it work for everyone concerned.
Forum to Look at Offshore Aquaculture
US - A forum at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) is set to boost the prospects of fish farming off the Pacific coast of North America.