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Best Management Practices Developed for Marine Cage Aquaculture in U.S. Caribbean

Aquaculture supplies more than half of the world’s seafood, and that share is expected to grow in the coming decades. Research shows that aquaculture is sustainable if properly managed. To assist coastal managers and industry with aquaculture development planning, NOS, NMFS, and their partners have developed best management practices for marine cage culture in the U.S. Caribbean.

Cobia, Rachycentron canadum, in a marine cage culture operation in the caribbean.
Cobia in a marine cage culture operation in the Caribbean.

These best practices – published by the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute – address a range of cage culture topics, including: ecological effects, water quality, escapes, fish health, feeds, permitting, siting, environmental monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting.

ocean net pen during cleaning
An ocean net pen during periodic cleaning.

To download a copy of the best practices, visitNOAA’s Coastal Aquaculture Planning and Environmental Sustainability program page.

For more info contact James.Morris@noaa.gov or Carol.Price@noaa.gov.