Gulf fish farms proposal allowed to take effect - al.com

Gulf fish farms proposal allowed to take effect - al.com: "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday declined to block a plan that opens federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico to large-scale commercial fish farming, despite concerns from some fishing and environmental advocates.

NOAA leaders, at the same time, announced a plan to create a national policy for 'sustainable marine aquaculture in the coming months.'

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, which includes members from Mississippi and Alabama, earlier this year approved a plan to allow production of native fish, such as snapper and grouper, in underwater cages and pens — an effort to take pressure off overfished wild stocks."