April 20, 2023 — The following was released by New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council has finalized a framework adjustment to the Atlantic Salmon Fishery Management Plan (FMP) that will make it possible for industry members who obtain a letter of authorization from NOAA Fisheries to possess farm-raised Atlantic salmon in federal waters.
The Council’s original FMP prohibits directed fishing and possession of Atlantic salmon in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). However, the FMP also gives the Council the ability to develop a framework action to authorize salmon aquaculture in federal waters – if it chooses to do so.
The possible need for action arose after a private business, Blue Water Fisheries, proposed a commercialscale marine finfish aquaculture facility in federal waters roughly 7.5 miles east-northeast of Newburyport Harbor, MA. This prompted the Council to initiate Framework Adjustment 1 to the Atlantic Salmon FMP in September 2022 to establish a clear path forward for offshore aquaculture projects in general.