Posts made in February, 2013
Eco-Hazards
The list of hazards associated with industrial aquaculture will continue to grow as long as adequate oversight is lacking. Invasive species dominate natives Pesticides and other chemicals spread rapidly in this ecosystem Materials ensnare wildlife Harvest methods strip the tidelands Learn...
Read MorePlastic on the Beach
How much plastic does modern industrial aquaculture introduce into the shoreline ecosystem? Geoduck farms, as an example, generally embed over 40,000 PVC tubes per acre into the shallow waters and tidelands of Puget Sound. Tubes are often covered with nets, which are held in place with rubber bands. All of these materials pose toxicity and habitat hazards, not to mention the loss in aesthetic value to the shoreline. “PVC is especially toxic and poses hazards to environmental health at every stage of its existence.” -Captain Charles...
Read MoreIndustrialization
Puget Sound Aquaculture Industrialization – A Plea for Balance and Environmental Healing: How ‘Big Business’ factory farming is threatening the balance of nature in the waters of Washington State. This video was created by APHETI – Association for the Protection of Hammersley, Eld and Totten Inlets.
Read MoreAquaculture Revenue
One might think that significant success in regional aquaculture would generate revenue for the state. After all, the shellfish industry uses public waters and agency resources. But when you compare costs and benefits with other land-use industries, an imbalance emerges. Sales Tax: None collected on shellfish exported. Export Tax: None collected. Excise Tax: All shellfish (including oysters, clams and geoducks) grown on private aquatic lands are exempt from the Enhanced Food Fish Excise Tax (Fish tax). Business and Occupational Tax: Most of the shellfish industry is taking the Agriculture Wholesale B&O Exemption found in RCW 82.04 (Jim...
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