Seafood Results

Summary

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• Diving

Summary

Effluent: Effluent wastes are discharged to the surrounding waterbody, however producers use modern operating conditions broadly recognized as effective at minimizing the impacts of effluent from net pen operations.

Habitat: Facilities have minor impacts on the benthic environment, which are not leading to significant loss in habitat functionality.

Escapes: Net pens are open systems which have an inherent risk of escape by farmed stock due to operational failures and human error. Producers minimize escapes using management measures including daily monitoring, use of high-quality construction materials (e.g., copper alloy nets), and installation of net coverings. Despite these precautions escape is considered a moderate concern.

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• Net Pens / Cages (Marine Only)

Summary

Effluent: Effluent wastes are discharged to the surrounding waterbody, however producers use modern operating conditions broadly recognized as effective at minimizing the impacts of effluent from net pen operations.



Habitat: Facilities have minor impacts on the benthic environment, which are not leading to significant loss in habitat functionality.

Escapes: Net pens are open systems which have an inherent risk of escape by farmed stock due to operational failures and human error. Producers minimize escapes using management measures including daily monitoring, use of high-quality construction materials (e.g., copper alloy nets), and installation of net coverings. Despite these precautions escape is considered a moderate concern.

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• Net Pens / Cages (Marine Only)

Summary

The Ocean Wise recommendation for this seafood variety comes from a global assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) across species. This global report was possible because many aspects of RAS (i.e. the fundamental characteristics of the aquaculture method) are similar regardless of the species cultured. Should a species specific assessment exists for this aquaculture method, this report will take precedent for an Ocean Wise recommendation.

Note: All Ocean Wise recommendations for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) apply only to seafood products grown exclusively in RAS facilities through harvest at the end of grow out. It does not apply to seafood products that were raised in RAS hatcheries and transitioned to other production systems for the grow out period.

Escapes: RAS is a land based aquaculture method where production occurs in buildings and tanks. In addition, tank-based RAS utilize multiple screens and secondary capture devises. In combination, this setup ensures physical separation of the culture area from the natural environment minimizing the risk of escapes.

Disease: Disease transmission to the wild is low. RAS discharge limited volumes of water and have the ability to control and treat all discharges. Many facilities utilize ozonation and UV irradiation to disinfect water and maintain water quality.

Feed: Feed use and subsequent environmental impacts are highly species-specific, with some species requiring high levels of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets, which is often sourced from wild capture fisheries, while others can be grown commercially on a feed containing no animal ingredients. There are ongoing advancements in aquaculture feeds (particularly reductions in the use of fishmeal and fish oil) and their efficiency of use (i.e., the feed conversion ratio, FCR), making this an area of continued improvement for RAS operations.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Indoor Tanks Without Wastewater Treatment)

Summary

The Ocean Wise recommendation for this seafood variety comes from a global assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) across species. This global report was possible because many aspects of RAS (i.e. the fundamental characteristics of the aquaculture method) are similar regardless of the species cultured. Should a species specific assessment exists for this aquaculture method, this report will take precedent for an Ocean Wise recommendation.

Note: All Ocean Wise recommendations for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) apply only to seafood products grown exclusively in RAS facilities through harvest at the end of grow out. It does not apply to seafood products that were raised in RAS hatcheries and transitioned to other production systems for the grow out period.

Escapes: RAS is a land based aquaculture method where production occurs in buildings and tanks. In addition, tank-based RAS utilize multiple screens and secondary capture devises. In combination, this setup ensures physical separation of the culture area from the natural environment minimizing the risk of escapes.

Disease: Disease transmission to the wild is low. RAS discharge limited volumes of water and have the ability to control and treat all discharges. Many facilities utilize ozonation and UV irradiation to disinfect water and maintain water quality.

Feed: Feed use and subsequent environmental impacts are highly species-specific, with some species requiring high levels of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets, which is often sourced from wild capture fisheries, while others can be grown commercially on a feed containing no animal ingredients. There are ongoing advancements in aquaculture feeds (particularly reductions in the use of fishmeal and fish oil) and their efficiency of use (i.e., the feed conversion ratio, FCR), making this an area of continued improvement for RAS operations.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Indoor Tanks Without Wastewater Treatment)

Summary

The Ocean Wise recommendation for this seafood variety comes from a global assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) across species. This global report was possible because many aspects of RAS (i.e. the fundamental characteristics of the aquaculture method) are similar regardless of the species cultured. Should a species specific assessment exists for this aquaculture method, this report will take precedent for an Ocean Wise recommendation.

Note: All Ocean Wise recommendations for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) apply only to seafood products grown exclusively in RAS facilities through harvest at the end of grow out. It does not apply to seafood products that were raised in RAS hatcheries and transitioned to other production systems for the grow out period.

Escapes: RAS is a land based aquaculture method where production occurs in buildings and tanks. In addition, tank-based RAS utilize multiple screens and secondary capture devises. In combination, this setup ensures physical separation of the culture area from the natural environment minimizing the risk of escapes.

Disease: Disease transmission to the wild is low. RAS discharge limited volumes of water and have the ability to control and treat all discharges. Many facilities utilize ozonation and UV irradiation to disinfect water and maintain water quality.

Feed: Feed use and subsequent environmental impacts are highly species-specific, with some species requiring high levels of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets, which is often sourced from wild capture fisheries, while others can be grown commercially on a feed containing no animal ingredients. There are ongoing advancements in aquaculture feeds (particularly reductions in the use of fishmeal and fish oil) and their efficiency of use (i.e., the feed conversion ratio, FCR), making this an area of continued improvement for RAS operations.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Indoor Tanks Without Wastewater Treatment)

Summary

The Ocean Wise recommendation for this seafood variety comes from a global assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) across species. This global report was possible because many aspects of RAS (i.e. the fundamental characteristics of the aquaculture method) are similar regardless of the species cultured. Should a species specific assessment exists for this aquaculture method, this report will take precedent for an Ocean Wise recommendation.

Note: All Ocean Wise recommendations for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) apply only to seafood products grown exclusively in RAS facilities through harvest at the end of grow out. It does not apply to seafood products that were raised in RAS hatcheries and transitioned to other production systems for the grow out period.

Escapes: RAS is a land based aquaculture method where production occurs in buildings and tanks. In addition, tank-based RAS utilize multiple screens and secondary capture devises. In combination, this setup ensures physical separation of the culture area from the natural environment minimizing the risk of escapes.

Disease: Disease transmission to the wild is low. RAS discharge limited volumes of water and have the ability to control and treat all discharges. Many facilities utilize ozonation and UV irradiation to disinfect water and maintain water quality.

Feed: Feed use and subsequent environmental impacts are highly species-specific, with some species requiring high levels of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets, which is often sourced from wild capture fisheries, while others can be grown commercially on a feed containing no animal ingredients. There are ongoing advancements in aquaculture feeds (particularly reductions in the use of fishmeal and fish oil) and their efficiency of use (i.e., the feed conversion ratio, FCR), making this an area of continued improvement for RAS operations.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Indoor Tanks With Wastewater Treatment)

Summary

The Ocean Wise recommendation for this seafood variety comes from a global assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) across species. This global report was possible because many aspects of RAS (i.e. the fundamental characteristics of the aquaculture method) are similar regardless of the species cultured. Should a species specific assessment exists for this aquaculture method, this report will take precedent for an Ocean Wise recommendation.

Note: All Ocean Wise recommendations for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) apply only to seafood products grown exclusively in RAS facilities through harvest at the end of grow out. It does not apply to seafood products that were raised in RAS hatcheries and transitioned to other production systems for the grow out period.

Escapes: RAS is a land based aquaculture method where production occurs in buildings and tanks. In addition, tank-based RAS utilize multiple screens and secondary capture devises. In combination, this setup ensures physical separation of the culture area from the natural environment minimizing the risk of escapes.

Disease: Disease transmission to the wild is low. RAS discharge limited volumes of water and have the ability to control and treat all discharges. Many facilities utilize ozonation and UV irradiation to disinfect water and maintain water quality.

Feed: Feed use and subsequent environmental impacts are highly species-specific, with some species requiring high levels of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets, which is often sourced from wild capture fisheries, while others can be grown commercially on a feed containing no animal ingredients. There are ongoing advancements in aquaculture feeds (particularly reductions in the use of fishmeal and fish oil) and their efficiency of use (i.e., the feed conversion ratio, FCR), making this an area of continued improvement for RAS operations.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Indoor Tanks With Wastewater Treatment)

Summary

The Ocean Wise recommendation for this seafood variety comes from a global assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) across species. This global report was possible because many aspects of RAS (i.e. the fundamental characteristics of the aquaculture method) are similar regardless of the species cultured. Should a species specific assessment exists for this aquaculture method, this report will take precedent for an Ocean Wise recommendation.

Note: All Ocean Wise recommendations for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) apply only to seafood products grown exclusively in RAS facilities through harvest at the end of grow out. It does not apply to seafood products that were raised in RAS hatcheries and transitioned to other production systems for the grow out period.

Escapes: RAS is a land based aquaculture method where production occurs in buildings and tanks. In addition, tank-based RAS utilize multiple screens and secondary capture devises. In combination, this setup ensures physical separation of the culture area from the natural environment minimizing the risk of escapes.

Disease: Disease transmission to the wild is low. RAS discharge limited volumes of water and have the ability to control and treat all discharges. Many facilities utilize ozonation and UV irradiation to disinfect water and maintain water quality.

Feed: Feed use and subsequent environmental impacts are highly species-specific, with some species requiring high levels of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets, which is often sourced from wild capture fisheries, while others can be grown commercially on a feed containing no animal ingredients. There are ongoing advancements in aquaculture feeds (particularly reductions in the use of fishmeal and fish oil) and their efficiency of use (i.e., the feed conversion ratio, FCR), making this an area of continued improvement for RAS operations.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Indoor Tanks With Wastewater Treatment)

Summary

The Ocean Wise recommendation for this seafood variety comes from a global assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) across species. This global report was possible because many aspects of RAS (i.e. the fundamental characteristics of the aquaculture method) are similar regardless of the species cultured. Should a species specific assessment exists for this aquaculture method, this report will take precedent for an Ocean Wise recommendation.

Note: All Ocean Wise recommendations for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) apply only to seafood products grown exclusively in RAS facilities through harvest at the end of grow out. It does not apply to seafood products that were raised in RAS hatcheries and transitioned to other production systems for the grow out period.

Escapes: RAS is a land based aquaculture method where production occurs in buildings and tanks. In addition, tank-based RAS utilize multiple screens and secondary capture devises. In combination, this setup ensures physical separation of the culture area from the natural environment minimizing the risk of escapes.

Disease: Disease transmission to the wild is low. RAS discharge limited volumes of water and have the ability to control and treat all discharges. Many facilities utilize ozonation and UV irradiation to disinfect water and maintain water quality.

Feed: Feed use and subsequent environmental impacts are highly species-specific, with some species requiring high levels of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets, which is often sourced from wild capture fisheries, while others can be grown commercially on a feed containing no animal ingredients. There are ongoing advancements in aquaculture feeds (particularly reductions in the use of fishmeal and fish oil) and their efficiency of use (i.e., the feed conversion ratio, FCR), making this an area of continued improvement for RAS operations.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Indoor Tanks With Wastewater Treatment)

Summary

Effluent:  Based on the nature of the production system (i.e., marine net pens), all effluent waste generated by cultured fish immediately enters the ocean environment and cannot be treated before release. Effluent and its subsequent environmental impacts are actively

managed by controlling the quantity and content of feed, stocking density, and farm siting. Even though effluent is discharged directly to the surrounding environment, ongoing water quality monitoring by the farm and nearby state-run energy laboratory, indicate nutrient concentrations have been well below regulatory permit limits.

Chemical use: Hydrogen peroxide, used as a disinfectant and anti-parasiticide, is the only chemical reported in production. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that this chemical degrades rapidly after treatment and is considered minimally hazardous to the environment. As such, the risk of chemical impacts on the environment from these treatments is minimal. Any additional chemical use is strictly regulated by the State of Hawaii and requires close monitoring and regulatory oversight.

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• Net Pens / Cages (Marine Only)

Summary

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• Handlines and Pole-and-Lines (Hand-Operated)

Summary

The Ocean Wise recommendation for this seafood variety comes from a global assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) across species. This global report was possible because many aspects of RAS (i.e. the fundamental characteristics of the aquaculture method) are similar regardless of the species cultured. Should a species specific assessment exists for this aquaculture method, this report will take precedent for an Ocean Wise recommendation.

Note: All Ocean Wise recommendations for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) apply only to seafood products grown exclusively in RAS facilities through harvest at the end of grow out. It does not apply to seafood products that were raised in RAS hatcheries and transitioned to other production systems for the grow out period.

Escapes: RAS is a land based aquaculture method where production occurs in buildings and tanks. In addition, tank-based RAS utilize multiple screens and secondary capture devises. In combination, this setup ensures physical separation of the culture area from the natural environment minimizing the risk of escapes.

Disease: Disease transmission to the wild is low. RAS discharge limited volumes of water and have the ability to control and treat all discharges. Many facilities utilize ozonation and UV irradiation to disinfect water and maintain water quality.

Feed: Feed use and subsequent environmental impacts are highly species-specific, with some species requiring high levels of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets, which is often sourced from wild capture fisheries, while others can be grown commercially on a feed containing no animal ingredients. There are ongoing advancements in aquaculture feeds (particularly reductions in the use of fishmeal and fish oil) and their efficiency of use (i.e., the feed conversion ratio, FCR), making this an area of continued improvement for RAS operations.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (Indoor Tanks Without Wastewater Treatment)

Summary

Abundance: Stock status is unknown. Landings are reported as catch across numerous species, which makes it difficult to measure abundance or the impact of fishing effort on fish populations.

Management: There are minimal management measures are in place for the fishery. The fishery also lacks specific reference points and landings are currently mixed with other species, which may not give an accurate picture of the current status of these stocks. In addition, no quotas or strategies to ensure that stocks are maintained at a sustainable level are in place and there are no regulations on minimum size limit or mesh size limit that prevents capture of immature organisms.

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• Gillnets (Set / Anchored)

Summary

Bycatch: Harvest catches species of concern (e.g. Warsaw grouper, hogfish, and red snapper) some of which are depleted with overfishing occurring.

Management: Moderately effective utilizing a series of management measures (e.g. annual catch limits (ACLs), minimum sizes, and bag limits) to limit harvest.

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• Handlines and Pole-and-Lines (Hand-Operated)

Summary

Abundance: Stock status is unknown. Landings are reported as catch across numerous species, which makes it difficult to measure abundance or the impact of fishing effort on fish populations.

Management: There are minimal management measures are in place for the fishery. The fishery also lacks specific reference points and landings are currently mixed with other species, which may not give an accurate picture of the current status of these stocks. In addition, no quotas or strategies to ensure that stocks are maintained at a sustainable level are in place and there are no regulations on minimum size limit or mesh size limit that prevents capture of immature organisms.

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• Gillnets (Encircling)

Summary

Bycatch: Harvest catches species of concern (e.g. Warsaw grouper, hogfish, and red snapper) some of which are depleted with overfishing occurring.

Management: Moderately effective utilizing a series of management measures (e.g. annual catch limits (ACLs), minimum sizes, and bag limits) to limit harvest.

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• Handlines and Pole-and-Lines (Hand-Operated)

Summary

Effluent: High amounts of nitrogen waste are released from farm sites into the surrounding environment and there is minimal evidence of effective regulation.

Chemical Use: Antibiotics considered highly or critically important antimicrobials for human health by the World Health Organization are reported as widely used. Peer-reviewed literature also provides strong evidence of resistance to both ampicillin and oxytetracycline around aquaculture sites for this species in Japan.

Source of Stock: Although the life cycle of this species has been closed in commercial hatcheries, the majority of production is still based on the wild capture of juveniles. Anecdotal evidence suggests that 95%–99% of farm stock are wild caught.

Feed: There is a greater than 85% net loss of protein in the food conversion ratio for this species. In addition the ecological footprint to supply feed to aquaculture facilities is high.

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• Net Pens / Cages (Marine Only)

Summary

Bycatch: Harvest catches species of concern (e.g. Warsaw grouper, hogfish, and red snapper) some of which are depleted with overfishing occurring.

Management: Moderately effective utilizing a series of management measures (e.g. annual catch limits (ACLs), minimum sizes, and bag limits) to limit harvest.

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• Diving

Summary

Abundance: Stock status is unknown. Landings are reported as catch across numerous species, which makes it difficult to measure abundance or the impact of fishing effort on fish populations.

Management: There are minimal management measures are in place for the fishery. The fishery also lacks specific reference points and landings are currently mixed with other species, which may not give an accurate picture of the current status of these stocks. In addition, no quotas or strategies to ensure that stocks are maintained at a sustainable level are in place and there are no regulations on minimum size limit that prevents capture of immature organisms.

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• Trolling Lines

Summary

Abundance: Stock status is unknown. Landings are reported as catch across numerous species, which makes it difficult to measure abundance or the impact of fishing effort on fish populations.

Management: There are minimal management measures are in place for the fishery. The fishery also lacks specific reference points and landings are currently mixed with other species, which may not give an accurate picture of the current status of these stocks. In addition, no quotas or strategies to ensure that stocks are maintained at a sustainable level are in place and there are no regulations on minimum size limit or mesh size limit that prevents capture of immature organisms.

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• Handlines and Pole-and-Lines (Hand-Operated)

Summary

Bycatch: Harvest method has potential to impact sensitive species, including humpback whales and white sharks. The fishery minimizes these impacts by prohibiting the use of gillnets substantial proportion of representative habitats and through limit entry management.

Management: Though measures do temporally and spatially limit fishing activities, they lack appropriate reference points.

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• Gillnets (Set / Anchored)

Summary

Bycatch: Harvest method has potential to impact sensitive species, including humpback whales and white sharks. The fishery minimizes these impacts by prohibiting the use of gillnets substantial proportion of representative habitats and through limit entry management.

Management: Though measures do temporally and spatially limit fishing activities, they lack appropriate reference points.

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• Gillnets (Drifting)

Summary

Effluent: High amounts of nitrogen waste are released from farm sites into the surrounding environment and there is minimal evidence of effective regulation.

Chemical Use: Antibiotics considered highly or critically important antimicrobials for human health by the World Health Organization are reported as widely used. Peer-reviewed literature also provides strong evidence of resistance to both ampicillin and oxytetracycline around aquaculture sites for this species in Japan.

Source of Stock: Although the life cycle of this species has been closed in commercial hatcheries, the majority of production is still based on the wild capture of juveniles. Anecdotal evidence suggests that 95%–99% of farm stock are wild caught.

Feed: There is a greater than 85% net loss of protein in the food conversion ratio for this species. In addition the ecological footprint to supply feed to aquaculture facilities is high.

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• Net Pens / Cages (Marine Only)

Summary

Abundance: Stock status is unknown. Landings are reported as catch across numerous species, which makes it difficult to measure abundance or the impact of fishing effort on fish populations.

Management: There are minimal management measures are in place for the fishery. The fishery also lacks specific reference points and landings are currently mixed with other species, which may not give an accurate picture of the current status of these stocks. In addition, no quotas or strategies to ensure that stocks are maintained at a sustainable level are in place and there are no regulations on minimum size limit or mesh size limit that prevents capture of immature organisms.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Gillnets (Set / Anchored)

Summary

Abundance: Stock status is unknown. Landings are reported as catch across numerous species, which makes it difficult to measure abundance or the impact of fishing effort on fish populations.

Management: There are minimal management measures are in place for the fishery. The fishery also lacks specific reference points and landings are currently mixed with other species, which may not give an accurate picture of the current status of these stocks. In addition, no quotas or strategies to ensure that stocks are maintained at a sustainable level are in place and there are no regulations on minimum size limit or mesh size limit that prevents capture of immature organisms.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Gillnets (Drifting)

Summary

Effluent: High amounts of nitrogen waste are released from farm sites into the surrounding environment and there is minimal evidence of effective regulation.

Chemical Use: Antibiotics considered highly or critically important antimicrobials for human health by the World Health Organization are reported as widely used. Peer-reviewed literature also provides strong evidence of resistance to both ampicillin and oxytetracycline around aquaculture sites for this species in Japan.

Source of Stock: Although the life cycle of this species has been closed in commercial hatcheries, the majority of production is still based on the wild capture of juveniles. Anecdotal evidence suggests that 95%–99% of farm stock are wild caught.

Feed: There is a greater than 85% net loss of protein in the food conversion ratio for this species. In addition the ecological footprint to supply feed to aquaculture facilities is high.

Learn more about harvest methods

• Net Pens / Cages (Marine Only)