Modeling offshore aquaculture in the southern california bight: application of aquamodel for the largest proposed fish farm in the u.s.

Globally, aquaculture supplies more than half of our seafood. This percentage is projected to rise dramatically over the next few decades. Coastal marine aquaculture will continue to play an increasing role in seafood production. Several key strategies for sustainable aquaculture development include proper siting, best management practices, monitoring for early detection, and adaptive management strategies. The NOAA National Ocean Service's Coastal Aquaculture Planning and Environmental Sustainably (CAPES) program strives to support sustainable aquaculture development by development of tools and services for coastal managers. To assist with aquaculture development in the Southern California Bight, we utilized AquaModel software for the first fish farm to be permitted in federal waters and the largest farm proposed in the U.S. The Rose Canyon Fisheries proposed farm plans to produce approximately 5,000 metric tons valued over $80 million off the coast of San Diego.  Species in consideration include Yellowtail Jack (Seriola lalandi), White Seabass (Atractoscion nobilis), and Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis).  AquaModel 2D nearfield benthic and water column simulations suggest that small increases in total organic carbon (TOC) will be detectable directly underneath the farm at concentrations that will increase benthic infauna and epifauna diversity and abundance.  To advance planning for aquaculture across the Southern California Bight, far field 3D AquaModel simulations are being used to address nutrient and algal flux from fish farms in the region.