Why is OHC involved in aquaculture?

Any activity in the marine environment that might impact marine habitat falls within the purview of OHC. In addition to legislative mandates under the Magnuson Act, OHC’s purpose is to “manage, conserve and enhance habitats for fishery resources, protected species and other living marine resources.” In some cases, marine aquaculture improves habitat for NOAA trust resources. For example, the presence of shellfish provides physical structure utilized by estuarine creatures such as crabs, juvenile fish, and invertebrates. But in other cases, activities can pose more of a risk to marine resources. For example, some harvest and maintenance methods for shellfish have the potential for disrupting benthic flora and macrofauna. In all cases, OHC seeks to ensure adequate protections for marine habitat, while supporting a sustainable domestic aquaculture industry.