Suncoast Waterkeeper strongly opposes the proposed NPDES permit for the offshore factory fish farm near Venice, Florida, due to its significant ecological, economic, and community risks.
We sent comments to the US Environmental Protection Agency urging it to consider these substantial concerns and reject the permit application. After all, it is a fish farm that nobody asked for.
References:
Marks et al. 2020. A case study of monofilament line entanglement in a common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): entanglement, disentanglement, and subsequent death. BMC Vet Res, 16(1):223
Destin Chamber. 2024. Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Coastal Conservation Association Florida Release 30,000 Redfish into the Choctawhatchee Bay. Retrieved on November 25, 2024 from https://business.
https://www.pineislandredfish.
WGCU. 2023. Redfish grown at Mote Marine's inland aquaculture farm are being released inshore. Retrieved on November 25, 2024 from https://news.wgcu.org/section/
https://www.fisheries.noaa.
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Algal Blooms from Satellite for Southwest Florida. https://coastalscience.noaa.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Red Tide Current Status. https://myfwc.com/research/
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Charles
Thanks for the Suncoast Waterkeeper submission, but please give information about how to provide comments objecting to the proposal — public participation should be encouraged. A deadline looms for the extended comment period, the link is available on the EPA site, but thought it would help to provide it here (see below)
hope this information is correct — please provide corrections needed
"Commenting on Proposed Florida Fish Farm
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting public comments on the proposed Velella Epsilon aquaculture project, a floating fish farm planned for federal waters off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to comment:
Review the EPA’s Draft Permit: Familiarize yourself with the EPA’s draft permit, which outlines the proposed project’s details, including the location, species to be farmed (Almaco Jack), and expected environmental impacts.
Identify Your Concerns: Consider the potential environmental, social, and economic implications of the project. You may want to address issues such as:
Water quality and potential pollution
Impact on wild fish populations and ecosystems
Effects on local communities and tourism
Potential for disease transmission and fish escapes
Submit Your Comment:
You can submit your comment online through the EPA’s Federal eRulemaking Portal:
Search for Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-xxxx-XXXX (the exact docket number may vary)
Click on the “Comment Now” button
Docket ID EPA–R04-OW-2024-0113
is the correct docket number for this fish farm proposal
Enter your comment, including your name, address, and any relevant supporting information (e.g., scientific studies, personal experiences)
Ensure your comment is concise and clear
Additional Options: If you prefer to submit your comment via mail or email, you can do so:
Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Docket Center (EPA-HQ-OW—correct number), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20460
Email: ow-docket@epa.gov (include “Docket ID No. —” in the subject line)
Docket ID EPA–R04-OW-2024-0113
is the correct docket number for this fish farm proposal
Deadline: Check the EPA’s website for the comment period deadline, which may vary. For the Velella Epsilon project, there is an extended comment period, it will be announced on the EPA’s website.
Follow Up: After submitting your comment, you can track its status on the EPA’s website or contact the EPA’s Docket Center for updates.
Tips and Reminders
Be respectful and professional in your comment.
Focus on specific issues and provide supporting evidence or examples.
Keep your comment concise and easy to understand.
Avoid repetitive or redundant comments.
If you’re submitting a comment on behalf of an organization, include the organization’s name and any relevant affiliations.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can effectively comment on the proposed Florida fish farm and contribute to the EPA’s decision-making process."
Again, it is up to us to participate —
Sunday, December 22, 2024 Report this