[DEQ] Science advisory panel to hear public input June 25 on net-pen aquaculture in Great Lakes

Science advisory panel to hear public input June 25 on net-pen aquaculture in Great Lakes

June 22, 2015

For More Information:
Tammy Newcomb, senior water policy advisor at Michigan DNR, 517-284-5832, newcombt@michigan.gov 

Earlier this month, state natural resource, agriculture and environment leaders announced the appointment of a scientific advisory panel to evaluate the issue of allowing commercial net-pen aquaculture in Michigan’s Great Lakes waters. Net-pen aquaculture is named for the offshore floating enclosures (usually located off coastlines) used to raise large numbers of fish to a harvestable size for the consumer food market.

On Thursday, June 25, there is an opportunity for interested parties to share information or data they believe the panel should consider in its environmental and ecological review surrounding the use of net pens in Michigan. Staff from the Michigan departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development will be at the meeting.

The panel anticipates hearing from a variety of audiences including commercial and recreational fishing industries, the aquaculture industry, tribal leaders, federal agency officials, the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and others.

Later this year, there will be additional opportunities for the public to review the outcomes of the panel’s report and other relevant information and to share – in person, in writing or via email – comments and opinions on this issue.

WHAT: Opportunity to provide input to the Great Lakes commercial aquaculture net-pen science advisory panel.

WHEN: Thursday, June 25, from 4 to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Room 101 of Michigan State University’s Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing.

NOTE: Those interested in addressing the panel are asked to register in advance by contacting Tammy Newcomb via email at newcombt@michigan.gov. Each registered speaker will have three minutes to present information to the panel, with additional time for panel follow-up questions.