http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/5985/content.jsp?content_KEY=5508Hawaiian Oceanic Technologies, Inc. wants to use YOUR ocean for their private profit. Find out how they plan to use it before giving them exclusive access to part of this important public resource!March 25, 2009Dear Tricia,Learn more about the Ahi Aquaculture project on the Kohala Coast and take action now.Photo of inside of ocean fish farm courtesy of NOAA.govHuge, un-tethered, self-powered, underwater spheres crammed with thousands of fish floating off Hawaii's coast sound more like science fiction than reality, but this is exactly what is being proposed off the Kohala coast.A company called Hawaiian Oceanic Technology, Inc. is applying for a permit to create a new massive tuna ocean fish farm. They want to use 247 acres of our seas to hold 12 orb-like cages for growing tuna to export. In February, their draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) - accepted in January - was published.It doesn't adequately cover a variety of obvious concerns, like: How much waste will be created and how will it affect the marine environment? Can the cages withstand major storms and what happens if one wanders away from the farm site, since the cages are not tied down and are only one mile from a humpback whale sanctuary? The cages use a new technology to generate their own energy to remain in one place by sucking up sea water from below - how will this affect benthic and pelagic organisms? Caged fish often attract predators, like sharks - how will an increase in sharks - traditionally revered Hawaiian animals - near the farm be handled (some farms have simply killed them!)?The DEIS process is a way for the public to have input on projects using public lands (or in this case waters). It gives us the chance to better understand the broad potential impacts of a project and to mitigate or avoid problems before they happen by voicing our concerns, early. Learn more about the Ahi Aquaculture Proposal and ask Hawaiian Oceanic Technology and the approving agencies to address these questions before we hand over our waters for a project that could hurt our ocean and wildlife in it.Sincerely,Rob Parsons and Christina LizziFish ProgramFood and Water WatchFood & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that runs cutting edge campaigns to help ensure clean water and safe food. We work with various community outreach groups around the world to create an economically and environmentally viable future and advocate for safe, wholesome food, produced in a humane and sustainable manner, and public rather than private control of water resources, including oceans, rivers, and groundwater. The Food & Water Watch Fish Program specifically works to promote clean, green, safe seafood for consumers, while helping to protect the environment and coastal communities.
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