For immediate release: May 10, 2023
Contact: Shane Tan, shane.tan@berlinrosen.com
Indigenous Leaders, Environmental Advocates, Fishermen Petition Biden to Revoke Industrial Aquaculture Order
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2023) – Today, environmental and food advocacy groups, fishermen and Indigenous leaders are delivering a petition with more than 2,200 signatures to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) headquarters, urging President Biden’s administration to revoke a Trump-era executive order promoting industrial offshore aquaculture development.
In the three years since its release, Executive Order 13921 has paved the way for the development of offshore aquaculture facilities in federal waters without Congressional oversight. Facilities are already poised for construction off Florida and California coasts despite public outcry, with other sites underway. These facilities will cultivate thousands of finfish in massive floating net pens that allow pollution to flow directly into open waters.
“For three years, we’ve repeatedly urged the administration to change course, including delivering an open letter to the White House, visiting regional NOAA offices, submitting public comments and more,” said James Mitchell, Legislative Director for Don’t Cage Our Oceans. “President Biden has pledged to safeguard our environment for all people and address longstanding environmental injustices. It’s time that promise includes revoking this Trump-era order.”
“Independent fishermen across the country need support from their leaders in standing up to corporate control of fish farming,” said Jon Russell, Food Justice Organizer for North American Marine Alliance. “Coastal businesses and communities depend on healthy marine ecosystems and wild fish populations and industrial aquaculture development jeopardizes these critical public resources.”
“President Biden’s latest Executive Order on equity and environmental justice promises to center the concerns of Tribal leaders and fisherfolks, but his actions are not measuring up,” said Carl Wassilie, Yupik Biologist of Block Corporate Salmon. “Industrial aquaculture facilities threaten Indigenous communities, our culture, and our traditional ways of life. Native communities have always led the way in sustainable methods of hunting and fishing, and NOAA should look to Traditional Ecological Knowledge to chart a more just, environmentally sound future for seafood production, instead of supporting risky corporate construction in our oceans.”
About Don’t Cage Our Oceans
Don’t Cage Our Oceans is a diverse, nation-wide coalition of organizations and businesses fighting offshore fish farming, while uplifting values-based seafood systems led by local communities. Learn more at https://dontcageouroceans.org.