The Marine Planning Committee of the Pacific Fishery Management Council held an online meeting on December 6, 2024, focusing on the draft programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) for aquaculture opportunity areas (AOAs) in federal waters off Southern California. Celia, the new regional aquaculture coordinator for California, led the discussion, providing insights into the objectives and background of the EIS.

Celia explained that the EIS aims to identify suitable areas for commercial aquaculture to meet the growing demand for seafood. This initiative follows a 2020 executive order aimed at promoting seafood competitiveness and economic growth. The document outlines the process for identifying AOAs, which will not prohibit aquaculture outside these designated areas.

The meeting highlighted the importance of public engagement in developing the EIS. Celia noted that the document is lengthy but includes valuable information for stakeholders. She emphasized that the EIS considers both beneficial and adverse environmental impacts, including effects on marine life, water quality, and cultural resources.

The proposed action includes identifying multiple AOAs for various types of aquaculture, such as finfish and shellfish. The EIS presents four alternatives for consideration, with the preferred alternative suggesting up to ten AOAs across the Santa Barbara and Santa Monica regions. Each alternative aims to create predictability for aquaculture development while ensuring environmental protection.

Celia also discussed the potential impacts of aquaculture on local fishing communities and the environment. The EIS will analyze factors such as water quality, marine mammal interactions, and the socio-economic effects on commercial and recreational fishing. The committee is committed to ensuring that future aquaculture projects comply with existing regulations and consider the cumulative impacts of climate change.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments on the draft EIS, encouraging stakeholders to engage in the process. The committee aims to finalize the document after considering feedback, ensuring that the development of aquaculture in Southern California is both sustainable and beneficial to the community.