Offshore Aquaculture: The Frontier of Redefining Oceanic Property

Abstract

Abstract Over the past decade, offshore aquaculture has gained significant momentum as a global and, in particular, a U.S. seafood development strategy. Issues surrounding property rights, environmental impacts, and the social desirability of offshore aquaculture are inadequately addressed by policymakers and aquaculture specialists. This review essay describes offshore aquaculture's place in the development of industrial fish farming and the policy issues surrounding an emerging natural resource issue of public concern. The full development of offshore aquaculture rests on a key political–economic factor: the ability to allow de facto private ownership of federally held ocean waters and bottom lands. We address the political obstacles that face marine property transformation and the emerging public deliberation around the development of this global food industry. Keywords: aquacultureNational Offshore Aquaculture Actpublic trust doctrine Notes Note. Sources : Ryan (Citation2004); Belton et al. (Citation2004); Ekachai (Citation2004); AWI (Citation2004); Jeffs (Citation2003); CIHEAM (Citation2000); Liao et al. (Citation2004); UNH (Citation2005); Wray (Citation2005). E, experimental; C, commercial; ?, incomplete data; N/A, not available; o/s, offshore.