Interpretation: The plan action must be mandated by the resolution and no more – can only include development of ocean resources, space, and energy

Land RAS is legally and environmentally superior to ocean aquaculture

Although considerable scholarly analysis has been devoted to the environmental problems and legal complexities surrounding the development of open-ocean aquaculture, n11 little has been written on the alternative: sustainable land-based facilities. These systems are models of modern ecological engineering and can be located anywhere, including urban settings such as brownfields, n12 abandoned industrial sites, and warehouses. They can feed local populations and provide local jobs without compromising the health of our oceans and wild fish stocks. Sustainable land-based systems are already operating in American cities like Brooklyn, n13 Baltimore, n14 and Milwaukee. n15 Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and aquaponic systems are closed-loop, land-based farms that re-use water and are capable of producing fish, vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs. n16 RAS technology eliminates the environmental problems associated with conventional aquaculture methods, such as outdoor pond systems and ocean net pen systems. RAS facilities are "sustainable, infinitely expandable, environmentally compatible, and have the ability to guarantee both the safety and the quality of fish produced." n17 Unlike conventional systems, which are limited by environmental and geographic constraints, as well as the threat of disease transference, indoor systems can produce fish in completely controlled environments without risk of escapement or spread of disease. n18 Moreover, RAS conserves heat and water through water reuse, running on ninety to ninety-nine percent less water than conventional systems and providing environmentally safe waste-management treatment. n19 [*298] Growth and change are all but inevitable for the United States' aquaculture industry. The environmental problems associated with ocean-based operations and their traditional land-based counterparts are inexorably linked and therefore must inform both established and developing regulatory bodies of law. The current legal regimes affecting aquaculture production in the United States, in particular the federal Clean Water Act, will play a central role in shaping the development of the industry. Sustainable, land-based aquaculture technologies, including recirculating systems, promise to provide environmentally sound aquaculture methods that are in many ways legally and economically preferable to ocean-based technologies. These systems are not only feasible, but essential to achieving an environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry. The implementation of such technologies should therefore be encouraged through the introduction of new law and policy initiatives.

CP solves best—location of RAS means no depletion of marine ecosystems- solves ecosystems, starvation

ASA 9 [Alliance For Sustainable Aquaculture; Joint Non-Profit Organization with Food and Water Watch Organization and Research; “Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems”; September 2009; http://www.recirculatingfarms.org/downloads/RAS.pdf; JW]

In the production of farm-raised fish, the feed plays a large role in determining sustainability and quality of farmed fish. Farmed fish are often fed wild forage fish, such as anchovies, sardines and herring, after being processed into fishmeal or oil. These prey fish are a crucial part of the marine ecosystem, serving as food for marine mammals, birds and large predatory fish. Since taking these fish from the oceans can disrupt food chains and ecosystem balance, feed conversion rate is always a concern with farm-raised fish. The ideal feed conversion is one pound or less of wild fish to raise one pound of farmed fish. Although existing feed sources do not always have completely efficient 1:1 conversion rates, RAS farms and scientists are conducting research and developing techniques that can improve feed quality and reduce the need for wild fish. Examples of innovations in RAS feed efficiency include finding alternative feed ingredients, such as worms and algae, improving feed quality by using algae to increase protein content and raising prey fish in RAS, instead of harvesting wild for- age fish, to feed larger predatory fish.70

Solvency- Environment

CP solves better—RAS produces fish quicker and more efficiently while controlling environmental conditions

ASA 9 [Alliance For Sustainable Aquaculture; Joint Non-Profit Organization with Food and Water Watch Organization and Research; “Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems”; September 2009; http://www.recirculatingfarms.org/downloads/RAS.pdf; JW]

RAS production levels are often higher than those in other forms of aquaculture. RAS control the environmental conditions in which products are raised, thus allowing for optimal year-round growth.16 Some RAS can produce market-sized fish in just nine months, compared to the 15 to 18 months it often takes for the fish raised in other systems to grow to market size.17 It takes 197.6 acres of open ponds to produce the same amount of shrimp that a RAS farm can raise on just 6.1 acres.18 Tilapia, cobia, black sea bass, branzini, salmon, trout and shrimp are among the many seafood products being raised in RAS. Aquaponic RAS produce a large array of herbs, vegeta- bles, fruits, flowering plants and seaweeds as well.

Solvency- RAS Satisfies Demand

Better aquaculture needed to meet demand and alleviate ocean destruction

Wheeler ’13. Garret Wheeler is a Doctor of Jurisprudence Candidate 2013, Golden Gate University School of Law. “A feasible alternative: the legal implications of aquaculture in the United States and the promise of sustainable urban aquaculture systems”, Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal. 6 Golden Gate U. Envtl. L.J. 295

The world's ocean fish stocks are in peril. A 2011 report issued by an international team of marine scientists found that the world's marine species face threats "unprecedented in human history" n1 with "loss of both large, long-lived and small fish species causing widespread impacts on marine ecosystems." n2 Nutrient runoff, introductions of non-native species, climate change, over fishing, and physical disturbance are all contributing to the oceans' decline. n3 Meanwhile, global per capita seafood consumption is at an all-time high, n4 as the Earth's growing [*296] population continues to enjoy healthy, protein-laden nourishment. The resulting situation is a stark example of what ecologist Garrett Hardin famously called "the tragedy of the commons," the concept that overexploitation of a limited public resource inevitably occurs when multiple individuals act independently in their own self-interests. n5 The once-bountiful resources of the sea have now been exploited to a point where both marine-scientists and food-economists question the future of this essential food source. n6 While technology undoubtedly played an important role in expediting the loss of ocean resources, n7 technology in the form of aquaculture is now seen as the solution. n9 But can the practice of farming fish resolve the problem of a sea short of seafood? A burgeoning global aquaculture industry believes that aquaculture can satisfy a growing demand for seafood while alleviating damaged ocean ecosystems - an optimistic vision that nevertheless leaves many questions unanswered. n10 Central to the inquiry over ocean resource renewal is the viability of environmentally sustainable aquaculture methods and the legal framework that will ensure ecologically sound practices.

Solvency- “Malthusian Collapse”/Starvation

RAS ensures sustainable aquaculture industry—checks production issues

ASA 9 [Alliance For Sustainable Aquaculture; Joint Non-Profit Organization with Food and Water Watch Organization and Research; “Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems”; September 2009; http://www.recirculatingfarms.org/downloads/RAS.pdf; JW]

As a result, RAS can reduce the discharge of waste and the need for antibiotics or chemicals used to combat disease and fish and parasite escapes — all serious concerns raised with open-water aquaculture. RAS provide a diversity of production options. Tilapia, catfish, black seabass, salmon, shrimp, clams and oysters are just a few examples of what can be raised in these systems. RAS can also be operated in tandem with aquaponics — the practice of growing plants using water rather than soil — to produce a variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables such as basil, okra, lettuce, tomatoes and melons. RAS range from small-scale urban aquaculture systems in individual homes to larger, commercial-scale farms that can produce fish and produce equaling millions of dollars in sales each year.¶ Currently, research and development is being conducted at academic, government and business facilities across the country to continuously improve the techniques and methods used in RAS. With innovations in waste management systems, fish feeds and energy usage, RAS has the potential to be a truly safe and sustainable aquaculture industry.¶ In recent years, the U.S. government has been shockingly insistent that development of open-water aquaculture,¶ in particular ocean aquaculture, is the best way to have an increased seafood supply in the United States. Given the many ecological concerns associated with OOA, rather, the United States should be looking to explore more sustainable fish production, such as RAS. This report challenges natural resource managers and consumers to be more active in helping to promote a cleaner, greener, safer domestic seafood supply by learning more about RAS and requesting grocery stores and restaurants carry RAS products rather than those from open-water aquaculture systems.

Solvency- Biosecurity/Ecosystems

Unique location of RAS means they are more bio-secure and preserve ecosystems

ASA 9 [Alliance For Sustainable Aquaculture; Joint Non-Profit Organization with Food and Water Watch Organization and Research; “Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems”; September 2009; http://www.recirculatingfarms.org/downloads/RAS.pdf; JW]

RAS fish farms are often fully closed and entirely controlled, making them mostly biosecure — diseases and parasites cannot often get in. Biosecurity means RAS can frequently operate without any chemicals, drugs or antibiotics, making a more natural product for consumers. Water supply is a regular route of pathogen entry,¶ so RAS water is often first disinfected or the water is obtained from a source that does not contain fish or in- vertebrates that could be pathogen carriers (rain, spring or well water are common sources).12 Biosecurity in RAS requires that the systems be designed for easy clean- ing, completely and frequently, to reduce pathogens.13 Being self-contained and cleaner also means RAS can be located near markets or within land-locked communities that will use the fish, rather than by natural water sources like oceans or rivers — RAS does not need to be located on water to supply the system or for drainage. Locating RAS by the markets or communities they serve means they can have a smaller carbon footprint due to reduced shipping distance and provide a fresher product to the consumer.

Solvency- Ocean Destruction

Location of RAS means no depletion of marine ecosystems

ASA 9 [Alliance For Sustainable Aquaculture; Joint Non-Profit Organization with Food and Water Watch Organization and Research; “Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems”; September 2009; http://www.recirculatingfarms.org/downloads/RAS.pdf; JW]

In the production of farm-raised fish, the feed plays a large role in determining sustainability and quality of farmed fish. Farmed fish are often fed wild forage fish, such as anchovies, sardines and herring, after being processed into fishmeal or oil. These prey fish are a crucial part of the marine ecosystem, serving as food for marine mammals, birds and large predatory fish. Since taking these fish from the oceans can disrupt food chains and ecosystem balance, feed conversion rate is always a concern with farm-raised fish. The ideal feed conversion is one pound or less of wild fish to raise one pound of farmed fish. Although existing feed sources do not always have completely efficient 1:1 conversion rates, RAS farms and scientists are conducting research and developing techniques that can improve feed quality and reduce the need for wild fish. Examples of innovations in RAS feed efficiency include finding alternative feed ingredients, such as worms and algae, improving feed quality by using algae to increase protein content and raising prey fish in RAS, instead of harvesting wild for- age fish, to feed larger predatory fish.70

RAS monitors pH levels which checks acidification, ocean destruction

ASA 9 [Alliance For Sustainable Aquaculture; Joint Non-Profit Organization with Food and Water Watch Organization and Research; “Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems”; September 2009; http://www.recirculatingfarms.org/downloads/RAS.pdf; JW]

Monitoring of the pH level is among the most important tasks in RAS. The pH is directly affected by concentrations of ammonia from fish wastes. When fish waste is produced, most of it eventually breaks down into nitrate, and nitrate accumulation tends to produce a drop in pH and alkalinity, which can be harmful to fish if it is not monitored properly.¶ The scale of pH ranges from 0 to 14, with lower numbers demonstrating increased acidity and higher numbers showing greater basicity. Seven is considered the equilibrium point of freshwater, where it is neither acidic nor basic. In freshwater RAS, pH is generally maintained around 6 to 7.5. In aquaponic systems, pH may be maintained at a slightly lower level (around 5.5 to 6.5), where the slightly higher acidity level helps plants to obtain nutrients. Some studies have been done in aquaponics systems to reconcile the lower optimal pH of plants with the higher optimal pH of fish, and it has been found that a pH as high as 7 can be maintained without reducing the productivity of plants.35 Marine RAS needs to maintain a slightly higher pH, as the average pH of ocean saltwa- ter is around 8, which makes it somewhat basic. People who work with recirculating systems need to monitor¶ pH carefully in order to keep levels within an accept- able range for health and growth of the fish. Some of the aforementioned technologies, such as high rate algal ponds, can act as a counterbalance to the accumulation of certain chemicals within an RAS and can help to balance pH levels naturally.¶ Alkalinity is a measure of the pH-buffering capacity¶ of water.36 The principle ions that contribute to alka- linity are carbonate (CO3-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). Supplements may be added to water to adjust the alka- linity. Alkalinity of fresh water ranges from less than 5mg/L to more than 500mg/L and salt water is about 120mg/L CaCO3.37

Solvency- Overcomes Legal Liability

Urban aquaculture exists but needs funding

Wheeler ’13. Garret Wheeler is a Doctor of Jurisprudence Candidate 2013, Golden Gate University School of Law. “A feasible alternative: the legal implications of aquaculture in the United States and the promise of sustainable urban aquaculture systems”, Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal. 6 Golden Gate U. Envtl. L.J. 295

As the federal government continues to encourage the expansion of ocean-based aquaculture in the EEZ, not only will the environment be subject to an array of potential threats, but those looking to invest in the domestic production of seafood will also be confounded by legal uncertainties and liabilities imposed by the CWA and other laws. Rather than continue to press for an unsustainable system plagued by liability and staunch opposition from the environmental community and fishermen, new incentives in the form of grants, subsidies, and political support are needed to aid the development of a sustainable urban aquaculture industry. The alternative is to allow the American legal system to continue regulating through enforcement and litigation, an option that is both inefficient and costly. Although the extent to which sustainable aquaculture practices will be implemented in the United States is not clear, the promise of domestic seafood production flourishing within its cities is real. Minimal impact on the environment equates to minimal legal expenditure, and investors and entrepreneurs are already beginning to show interest. It is the challenge and duty of future generations "to encourage the art of aquaculture in urban areas and plan creatively for its beauty and utility in revitalized cities." n181 In more concrete terms, urban aquaculture may be the only way to provide fresh, local seafood while steering clear of environmental problems and possible legal liability.

AT Perm do both

The permutation links to the net benefit-

AT Perm do the CP

Perm do the CP is a severance permutation-

Severance perms are bad for debate:

1. 
   Destroys Ground – they can sever out of any link we have to the plan
   
2. 
   Moving Target – allows them to shift out of any part of their plan they were losing
   
3. 
   Destroys education – instead of coming up with solutions to tough CPs they sever out of their advocacy
   

Directory: file -> view
view -> Western Europe after wwii
view -> Author study: paul fleischman
view -> Qpa1 7ela study Guide
view -> Arctic Oil/Gas Neg
view -> November 1970 Approximately 150,000-500,000 deaths Bhola Cyclone Bangladesh
view -> Grade Level: 6 Unit of Study: Caribbean glce
view -> Citation: Duffield, Katy
view -> Table of Contents Lesson #
view -> Chinese Wind Energy Disad

Download 226.09 Kb.

Share with your friends: