According to Palin, Alaska’s natural wild fisheries have been well managed on a sustainable basis for years and are critically important to the state’s economy. She reacted in response to a Minerals Management Service proposal that would allow offshore oil and gas platforms to be utilized for aquaculture. Palin said disease, parasites and escpaement of non-native stocks from fish farms are some of the threats that aquaculture can pose to wild fish stocks.
Plain also said that the state has consistently requested that authorization of offshore aquaculture should strictly be considered only after establishing comprehensive biological and socio-economic baselines. She told that these will allow for a meaningful evaluation of its effects as the proposed rule does not include such provisions. Palin wrote Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne that offshore aquaculture should be removed from a list of authorized alternate rights-of-use for decommissioned oil and gas platforms.
Plain also asked the MMS schedule of public hearings in coastal states on the proposed rule be expanded to include public hearings in Alaska, where the potential for expansion of oil and gas development activity is great. She also raised objection to MMS’ regulatory authorization of offshore aquaculture when Congress is considering two bills authorizing such activity.
