Oregon lawmakers propose HB 2965 to ban ocean fish farming with net pens

The Oregon House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water convened on February 26, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2965, which aims to prohibit the use of net pens for fish farming in ocean and estuarine waters. This legislation seeks to prevent environmental disasters similar to those experienced in other states, particularly concerning the introduction of invasive species and the spread of diseases that could harm local ecosystems.

Currently, Oregon is the only state on the West Coast without regulations on net pens, while Alaska, Washington, and California have implemented bans or restrictions. Proponents of the bill, including its sponsor, emphasized the potential risks associated with net pens, such as the mass escape of non-native fish species, which can disrupt local fisheries and ecosystems. The bill is designed to protect Oregon's native fish populations and the broader aquatic environment.

Supporters, including representatives from the Center for Food Safety, highlighted that net pens can lead to significant environmental harm, including disease outbreaks that can spread to wild fish populations. They argued that these operations not only threaten the ecological balance but also negatively impact commercial and recreational fishing industries by privatizing public ocean resources for the profit of a few.

The committee heard testimonies from various stakeholders, including environmental advocates and fishing organizations, who expressed strong support for the bill. They pointed out that net pen operations often lead to lower quality fish products and can disrupt traditional fishing practices.

The discussion underscored the urgency of passing the bill to safeguard Oregon's marine environments and fisheries from the potential negative impacts of industrial aquaculture. The committee is expected to schedule a work session to vote on the bill in the coming weeks, marking a significant step toward enhancing environmental protections in the state.