National "Sustainable" Offshore Aquaculture Act

Community & Local Business Concerns Regarding the National Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2009

(HR 4363 – Capps (D-CA)

While this bill ostensibly creates “sustainable” fishery production, in reality it weakens our environment as well as our economies. The Mile High Business Alliance views this proposed bill as an outsourcing of our nation's wealth in combination with the support of large corporations – in effect, funneling our economic opportunities and prosperity out of our local communities.

Strength Lies in Diversity

Networks made of smaller nodes have greater adaptability and thus translate to greater resilience over time. In other words, an economic climate made up of many small businesses makes for a stronger economy. Small businesses are more invested in their local communities (in part because they have fewer shareholders dictating their business practices). Currently, this bill does not have any provisions stating how or to whom the permits will be issued. It can be assumed that due to the economic and political power held by large business entities, said corporations will have the advantage in receiving fishing permits. Thus, small businesses are at a direct disadvantage of participating in ocean aquaculture, and the long-term sustainability of the economy is threatened.

The same principle applies to the issuing of permits. Issuing smaller permits for a shorter time span would allow for more diverse participation and greater control by fishery monitoring groups. In contrast, the proposed permitting does not allow for adaptation or corrections, which are vital for creating healthy systems.

Not All Aquaculture is Created Equal

Putting this bill's bias towards big business aside, the method of aquaculture supported by this legislation (ocean fish farming) is not the most equitable in terms of resource flow. Ocean fish farming uses publicly-owned waters, freely releasing fish waste, diseases, escapee animals, etc into the surrounding area. This puts unnecessary pressure on surrounding ecosystems to mediate this effluent. Other forms of aquaculture are closed-loop, eliminating this pollution and in fact, often using it as a resource to increase yield. For example, a biodynamic system produces not only fish but also other valued products such as fruits and vegetables -while avoiding stress to the environment.

Avoid Exporting Public Resources for Private Profit

We feel that our public resources, in this case our nation's waters, should not provide significant economic value to large private corporations, let alone foreign ones. These companies fail to take our communities’ needs into consideration as they are answering to disconnected shareholders solely demanding monetary profits. Additionally, they may be participating in foreign economies, pushing money out of our nation's economy. In terms of this bill being focused on sustainability, the export of resources and money out of the U.S. translates as a net loss to our economy (as well as the environment).

Suggestions & Recommendations

• Single year or single season permits only.
• No foreign businesses issued permits.
• Include provisions that include and support small, local businesses.
• Environmental values taking equal precedence alongside monetary profitability, particularly when performing cost-benefit analysis of an operation.
• Inclusion of on-land aquaculture operations

About the Mile High Business Alliance

Building Better Community Through Better Business

Founded in 2007, the Mile High Business Alliance is a non-profit membership organization committed to building a resilient local economy. Presently, there are 150+ members including Denver area businesses, non-profit organizations, individuals, and community leaders. We are working to build a thriving local economy, which ensures that economic power resides locally and sustains vibrant, livable communities and healthy ecosystems.

For more information about MHBA, visit http://www.milehighbiz.org or contact Dawn Yukus at 303-872-5646