In September 2010, 55 participants from all interest groups, from ENGO’s and Aquaculture professionals to local government officials and Federal regulators, attended the first PACAQUA workshop on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture ( IMTA). The workshop covered the past, present and future of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA). The workshop was sponsored by NOAA Aquaculture and a range of aquaculture industry organizations.
After a day of talks by speakers from the world wide practice of IMTA, covering all aspects of the subject from Social License to Veterinary Medicine, on the second day the group split into interest groups: : Social, Economic and Ecological, and engaged in a SWOT Analysis ( Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of IMTA to better bring into focus the outcomes of the meeting. A verbatim transcript of the meeting was used to generate the White Paper which reviews the meeting and presents the SWOT analysis as well as unique, extended quantitative analysis of the SWOT findings.
The White Paper from the Workshop at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington is now available The results of the workshop and extended SWOT analysis review the state of IMTA in the world and present its prospects for assisting in advancing sustainable aquaculture development in North America. The workshop presentations have been available on the PACAQUA site since September 2010.
It is important to note that IMTA is currently used to maintain sustainable, low environmental impact aquaculture in marine, brackish and freshwater environments around the world, in some areas dating back centuries. The recent PACAQUA sponsored session at Aquaculture America: IMTA in North America: Taking it to the next level, demonstrated both the food production capabilities of IMTA in use today, as well as the current research in progress, ensure that IMTA effects in them and the marine environment are well understood and that specific diets for IMTA species are being anticipated and developed by the alternative feeds industry. The 30 day public comment period ended May 11, 2011 and received comments have3 been included. Any further comments relevant to the White Paper and IMTA should be addressed to: chairman@pacaqua.org or made on the web site.
