Vote Would Allow Fish Farms in Gulf

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is expected to vote next week on whether to allow offshore aquaculture operations in federal waters.

The decision could set a precedent for the practice, which has been the center of ongoing debate among fishermen, scientists, environmentalists and business groups.

To date, fish farming has primarily been practiced close to shore in the U.S., but the industry is moving towards large farms in deeper waters–where some environmentalists and fishermen say there is risk of pollution and damage to wild fish stocks.

The Ocean Conservancy says that national standards should be set before it is permitted.

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