Status, Experiences, and Impacts of State Aquaculture Plans and Coastal Zone Management Plans on Aquaculture in the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT The results of a nationwide survey on the status of state aquaculture plans were examined to determine the extent to which states have developed planning strategies to support commercial aqua-culture development and are promoting the aquaculture industry. Initial phone contacts were conducted to identify appropriate aquaculture contacts in all of the states and territories. Each contact was then sent a questionnaire which addressed the contents and status of that state's aquaculture plan. Questions included the year of adoption, partners in development, impetus for development, content of plan, action items identified, items successfully implemented, and significance to industry. Coastal states were further questioned on inclusion of an aquacul-ture component in their Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Plans. Twenty of the 44 respondents have adopted a state aquaculture plan. Six of the 44 respondents are currently planning to develop a plan within the next five years. Ten of the eighteen responding coastal states noted that an aquaculture component was included in their state CZM Plan. A majority of the states followed similar formats and noted similar issues as important to their states. As states become more aware of the potential for aquaculture growth, they should consider the process of developing realistic aquaculture plans to facilitate the identification of areas in need of improvement and the resources needed to assist in the orderly, sustainable development of this aquatic sector.