Oregon is set to join West Coast neighbors in banning commercial net-pen aquaculture, a move that has sparked debate among industry advocates and environmentalists.
Representative Mark Gamba introduced House Bill 2965, which, according to OPB, aims to prohibit the use of net pens for fish farming in the state’s ocean and estuarine waters. Currently, Oregon is the only West Coast state permitting commercial net-pen aquaculture, a practice not yet established within the waters. This legislative initiative seeks to prevent potential ecological risks associated with such operations. Environmental groups argue that densely packed fish in net pens can release waste, uneaten feed, diseases, and other pathogens into surrounding ecosystems, thereby threatening native fish populations and aquatic habitats.
Rep. Gamba expressed concerns that, without appropriate controls, Oregon might attract an industry “not known for being particularly careful.” He references a 2017 incident in Washington’s Puget Sound, where a net-pen collapse released over 200,000 non-native Atlantic salmon into the wild, leading Washington state to ban the practice earlier this year.
Supporters of the bill, including organizations like the Center for Food Safety, emphasize that the legislation targets only marine net pens, not aquaculture as a whole. They argue that such operations can degrade aquatic ecosystems and harm native fish populations, undermining commercial and recreational fishing industries.
Conversely, industry representatives contend that the bill is premature and could hinder the growth of sustainable seafood production in the state. Randy Bentz, president of the Oregon Aquaculture Association, noted that the state’s aquaculture industry is relatively small compared to neighboring states. He expressed concern that the legislation addresses a non-existent problem and could stifle future innovation and development within the sector.
The broader challenge of balancing environmental protection with economic development is shown here. As Oregon legislators deliberate on Bill 2965, the outcome could significantly influence the state’s approach to aquaculture and its commitment to preserving marine ecosystems.
