Ensuring sustainability in Hawaii’s offshore aquaculture industry: Environmental, economic, and social considerations for future development

Abstract

Offshore aquaculture, also known as open-ocean fish farming, is an emerging industry in the United States. Hawaii, home to the nation’s only active commercial open-ocean fish farm, has received increased interest and attention as a potential area for growth of the offshore aquaculture industry. State officials will play an important role in guiding the industry’s sustainable development but must take action to avoid the missteps of past projects both in Hawaii and elsewhere. Through background literature research and semi-structured stakeholder interviews, this study seeks to illuminate the environmental, economic, and social considerations that state officials must address and provides policy recommendations for next steps. By formalizing environmental standards for offshore fish farm management, initiating economic research at both state and local scales, committing to meaningful stakeholder engagement with affected communities, and reestablishing a program to oversee development of offshore aquaculture in the state, officials can nurture an industry that enriches Hawaii’s environment, economy, and people.