To Prohibit Operation of Aquaculture Facilities that Contribute to Pollution of Wild and Scenic Rivers - Summer

Team Members: Diana Lee (Manager), Daniel Wohl (Deputy Manager), Anne Canavati, Ethan Forauer, Becky Hopkins, Phil Malley, Zac Meyer, Johan Møller Nielsen,  Amanda Rickert, Alex Rudnicki, Ella Wynn.  

The rapid expansion of aquaculture has introduced environmental risks to wild and scenic rivers, which are protected for their ecological and recreational value. Fish farming operations discharge pollutants including nutrients, waste, and chemicals into surrounding waterways, contributing to eutrophication, oxygen depletion, and habitat degradation. These impacts threaten wild fish populations, particularly trout, and undermine ecosystem health and recreational industries dependent on clean water and stable fish populations. H.R. 962 proposes prohibiting aquaculture facilities from discharging pollutants into federally designated wild and scenic rivers to preserve these ecosystems.

Research demonstrates that aquaculture pollution can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and reduce biodiversity, particularly in sensitive freshwater environments. While aquaculture supports food production and economic development, insufficient regulation may cause irreversible ecological damage. The bill prioritizes ecosystem preservation using the precautionary principle, though stakeholders including aquaculture operators raise concerns about economic impacts and operational feasibility. Effective implementation would require monitoring water quality, ecosystem health, and compliance with pollution standards. Protecting wild and scenic rivers supports long-term ecological integrity, recreational economies, and biodiversity conservation while highlighting the tradeoffs between economic development and environmental protection.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.