Issue No. 100 December 2018 Shellfish Aquaculture Gear Management Workshop 2 Ocean to Table Videos 2 Florida Aquaculture Plan and Call for Statement of Interest Released 2 Hurricane Michael’s Damage to FL Agriculture 2 Shellfish Processing Inspector’s Corner 3 ERICA Grant 3 Division Staff Changes 3 Inside this issue: Florida Aquaculture Florida Depar tment of Agr iculture and Consu mer Ser vices Division of Aquacu lture Contribute to the 2018 Census of Aquaculture! Every five years the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) surveys all farmers and ranchers for production, sales, labor, land use and other information to inform national and state programs that benefit U.S. agriculture. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Aquaculture 600 South Calhoun Street, Suite 217 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300 Kal Knickerbocker, Director Division of Aquaculture 600 South Calhoun Street, Suite 217 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: 850-617-7600 E-mail: [email protected]Webpage: FreshFromFlorida.com/Divisions-Offices/ Aquaculture Want to receive a digital copy of the newsletter? Contact the division at: [email protected]Division of Aquaculture The core responsibilities of the Division of Aquaculture are described in Chapter 597, Florida Aquaculture Policy Act, Florida Statutes, and include: • Developing and enforcing environmental and food safety regulations governing commercial aquaculture production and shellfish (clams, oysters and mussels) harvesting and processing, respectively. • Certifying and inspecting shellfish processing plants and classifying and monitoring shellfish harvest areas in accordance with National Shellfish Sanitation Program. • Leasing coastal state submerged land for aquacultural purposes. • Certifying and inspecting upland commercial aquaculture facilities for compliance with the Aquaculture Best Management Practices Rule. • Providing practical and technical assistance concerning regulations, production, financial assistance, or educational programs. For the open or closed status of Shellfish Harvesting Areas, call: Apalachicola Shellfish Center 850-653-8317 Cedar Key Office 352-543-5181 Melbourne Office 321-984-4890 Panama City Office 850-236-2200 Port Charlotte Office 941-613-0954 Tallahassee Office 850-617-7600 For Aquaculture Certificate of Registration, Aquaculture Best Management Practices, call: Bartow Office 863-578-1870 Tallahassee Office 850-617-7600 For the leasing of submerged state lands, call: Tallahassee Office 850-617-7600 agribusinesses, trade associations, and producers to make decisions impacting the sustainability and growth of the U.S. aquaculture. The data is also used to support and justify federal and state research, education, extension, aquatic animal health programs and opportunities for farmer participation in demonstration projects and efforts to reform regulations. Did you know that the Census provides a means for each House of Representative member to find out instantly how big agriculture and aquaculture is in his or her district? Participation in the Census will help show legislators and government agencies that aquaculture is a growing, diverse and vibrant economic force producing great farm-raised seafood (fish, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, and seaweed), bait, freshwater and marine aquarium fish, corals, or invertebrates, recreational fish for private and public stocking, and other products like exotic alligator leather, live turtles as pets, or triploid grass carp to control nuisance aquatic plants. In order for U.S. aquaculture to gain traction at the federal or state level, legislators and federal and state agency representatives need to understand the scope and breadth of U.S. aquaculture, including the jobs and income created and sustained by rural, urban and coastal farms. By filling out your Census form, you provide the most accurate information possible. The NAA has been diligent in bringing a variety of concerns to Washington DC but in order for Congress or the federal agencies to take significant action or to demonstrate that these needed changes are real, the NAA and you have to have the numbers. Please support and strengthen U.S. aquaculture by participating in this important Census. Individual farm data collected by USDA is not shared with federal or state agencies and is only made available as compiled data. For 2013 Census of Aquaculture data, please visit: NAAA.USDA.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2012/Online_Resources/Aquaculture/ National Aquaculture Association (NAA) has strongly supported, and prevented from being eliminated, a follow-up survey specific to U.S. aquaculture. The Census of Aquaculture includes information specific to aquaculture like species farmed, production quantity and value, water sources, production systems, submerged land leases for shellfish production and state-by-state production statistics. The 2018 Census of Aquaculture survey forms will be mailed December 17, 2018. Farmers that participated in the 2018 Census of Agriculture will receive an aquaculture census form. For aquafarmers that did not participate in the nationwide agricultural census, please contact USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service at 1-800-727-9540 to receive a Census of Aquaculture survey. The final day to respond to the 2018 Census of Aquaculture is January 14, 2019. Last conducted in 2013, the 2018 Census of Aquaculture will yield current industry- specific data. This information is used by federal, state and local governments, For more information about the 2018 Census of Aquaculture, please visit: NAAA.USDA.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Census_of_Aquaculture/index.php Article by: Paul Zajicek, Exec. Director, National Aquaculture Association FDACS-P-00082
Transcript
Issue No. 100
December 2018
Shellfish Aquaculture Gear Management Workshop
2
Ocean to Table Videos 2
Florida Aquaculture Plan and Call for Statement of Interest Released
2
Hurricane Michael’s Damage to FL Agriculture
2
Shellfish Processing Inspector’s Corner
3
ERICA Grant 3
Division Staff Changes 3
Inside this issue:
Florida Aquaculture Florida Depar tment of Agr iculture and Consu mer Ser v ices
Divis ion of Aquacu lture
Contribute to the 2018 Census of Aquaculture! Every five years the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) surveys all farmers and ranchers for production, sales, labor, land use and other information to inform national and state programs that benefit U.S. agriculture. The
Division of Aquaculture The core responsibilities of the Division of Aquaculture are described in Chapter 597, Florida Aquaculture Policy Act, Florida Statutes, and include:
• Developing and enforcing environmental and food safety regulations governing commercial aquaculture production and shellfish (clams, oysters and mussels) harvesting and processing, respectively.
• Certifying and inspecting shellfish processing plants and classifying and monitoring shellfish harvest areas in accordance with National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
• Leasing coastal state submerged land for aquacultural purposes.
• Certifying and inspecting upland commercial aquaculture facilities for compliance with the Aquaculture Best Management Practices Rule.
• Providing practical and technical assistance concerning regulations, production, financial assistance, or educational programs.
For the open or closed status of Shellfish Harvesting Areas, call:
Apalachicola Shellfish Center 850-653-8317
Cedar Key Office 352-543-5181
Melbourne Office 321-984-4890
Panama City Office 850-236-2200
Port Charlotte Office 941-613-0954
Tallahassee Office 850-617-7600
For Aquaculture Certificate of Registration, Aquaculture Best Management Practices, call:
Bartow Office 863-578-1870
Tallahassee Office 850-617-7600
For the leasing of submerged state lands, call:
Tallahassee Office 850-617-7600
agribusinesses, trade associations, and producers to make decisions impacting the sustainability and growth of the U.S. aquaculture. The data is also used to support and justify federal and state research, education, extension, aquatic animal health programs and opportunities for farmer participation in demonstration projects and efforts to reform regulations.
Did you know that the Census provides a means for each House of Representative member to find out instantly how big agriculture and aquaculture is in his or her district? Participation in the Census will help show legislators and government agencies that aquaculture is a growing, diverse and vibrant economic force producing great farm-raised seafood (fish, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, and seaweed), bait, freshwater and marine aquarium fish, corals, or invertebrates, recreational fish for private and public stocking, and other products like exotic alligator leather, live turtles as pets, or triploid grass carp to control nuisance aquatic plants. In order for U.S. aquaculture to gain traction at the federal or state level, legislators and federal and state agency representatives need to understand the scope and breadth of U.S. aquaculture, including the jobs and income created and sustained by rural, urban and coastal farms.
By filling out your Census form, you provide the most accurate information possible. The NAA has been diligent in bringing a variety of concerns to Washington DC but in order for Congress or the federal agencies to take significant action or to demonstrate that these needed changes are real, the NAA and you have to have the numbers. Please support and strengthen U.S. aquaculture by participating in this important Census. Individual farm data collected by USDA is not shared with federal or state agencies and is only made available as compiled data.
For 2013 Census of Aquaculture data, please visit: NAAA.USDA.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2012/Online_Resources/Aquaculture/
National Aquaculture Association (NAA) has strongly supported, and prevented from being eliminated, a follow-up survey specific to U.S. aquaculture. The Census of Aquaculture includes information specific to aquaculture like species farmed, production quantity and value, water sources, production systems, submerged land leases for shellfish production and state-by-state production statistics. The 2018 Census of Aquaculture survey forms will be mailed December 17, 2018. Farmers that participated in the 2018 Census of Agriculture will receive an aquaculture census form. For aquafarmers that did not participate in the nationwide agricultural census, please contact USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service at 1-800-727-9540 to receive a Census of Aquaculture survey. The final day to respond to the 2018 Census of Aquaculture is January 14, 2019.
Last conducted in 2013, the 2018 Census of Aquaculture will yield current industry-specific data. This information is used by federal, state and local governments,
For more information about the 2018 Census of Aquaculture, please visit: NAAA.USDA.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Census_of_Aquaculture/index.php
Article by: Paul Zajicek, Exec. Director, National Aquaculture Association
Shellfish Aquaculture Gear Management Workshop In partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), the division hosted a workshop to discuss shellfish aquaculture gear management techniques and strategies to prevent gear loss. Guest speakers included Charles Grisafi of NOAA Marine Debris Program, Dr. Bill Walton of MS-AL Sea Grant, Leslie Sturmer of UF/IFAS, Heath Davis of the Cedar Key Aquaculture Asso. and Bob Rheault of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Asso. Speakers discussed the importance of marine debris prevention as the shellfish aquaculture industry increases in size and begins utilizing new production methods and gear. Informal group discussions of oyster and clam gear management techniques featured a panel of farmers that discussed their personal experiences working with shellfish gear and provided practical tips for improving management practices.
A full recording of the workshop and copies of all presentations are available on DVD by contacting the division or online at: Shellfish.IFAS.UFL.edu/news/videos-and-presentations-from-shellfish-aquaculture-gear-workshop/
The new Shellfish Aquaculture Gear Management technical bulletin is available by contacting the division or online at: FreshFromFlorida.s3.amazonaws.com/Media%2FFiles%2FAquaculture-Files%2FShellfish-Gear-Management-01914.pdf
Ocean to Table: Stories of Farming, Food and Conservation A new video series produced by the Aquarium of the Pacific highlights marine aquaculture operations in the U.S. and discusses aquaculture’s role in global seafood production and ocean conservation. All five videos are available in full at: AquariumofPacific.org/SeafoodFuture/ocean_to_table/Ocean_to_Table_Watch
Aquaculture Review Council Releases Florida Aquaculture Plan 2018 and Call for Statements of Interest FY20-21 The Aquaculture Review Council, an advisory council to the Commissioner of Agriculture, is pleased to announce the release of the 2018 Florida Aquaculture Plan (FAP) and the FY20-21 Call for Statements of Interest (SOI). The FAP highlights current industry research and development priorities and is used to guide applied aquaculture research. The SOI is intended to create a partnership between the public sector (universities, non-profits, state and federal agencies) and the aquaculture farming community to jointly address applied research and economic development priorities and transfer project results directly to Florida aquaculturists.
The FAP is available by contacting the division or online at: FreshFromFlorida.com/content/download/63235/1446462/FDACS-P-00061-FAP2018.pdf
The SOI application guide is available by contacting the division or online at: FreshFromFlorida.com/content/download/82491/2392357/20-21_ARC_Call_for_Statements_of_Interest-final_ADA.pdf
Hurricane Michael’s Damage to Florida Agriculture On October 10, 2018, hurricane Michael made landfall as a category 4 hurricane near Mexico Beach in Bay County, Florida, and caused extensive damage to the panhandle’s agriculture industry. An early summary document produced by the department reports estimated agriculture losses of $1.48 billon. Nearly 347,000 acres of productive forest were completely destroyed, accounting for 87% of the total agriculture damage amount. Aquaculture industry losses are estimated at $5 million, with the shellfish farms and processing facilities along the panhandle accounting for a majority of losses. High winds, waves and extensive storm surge resulted in shellfish lease losses between 25-100%. Numerous processing plants and shellfish hatcheries throughout the area also had major infrastructure, equipment and inventory losses from flooding, wind damage and power loss.
Page 2 Florida Aquaculture
Shellfish Processing Inspector’s Corner Processing Hygiene Poster and Brochures Available To assist with new National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) shellfish processing hygiene training requirements, the division has produced a Shellfish Processor Hygiene poster and a Shellfish Processing Safety, Hygiene and Sanitation pamphlet (also available in Spanish).
These materials can satisfy the new NSSP training requirements. Contact the division to receive copies of these new publications or if you have any questions.
Dealer Tag Language Change Mandatory January 1, 2019! The NSSP Model Ordinance was modified through the adoption of several new proposals last fall, including new tag language meant to reinforce shellfish tag retention requirements to retailers (see Proposal 17-216). Shellfish dealer tags must now include the following statement in bold capitalized type: “THIS TAG IS REQUIRED TO BE ATTACHED UNTIL CONTAINER IS EMPTY OR IS RETAGGED AND THEREAFTER KEPT ON FILE, IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, FOR 90 DAYS." And the new language: “RETAILERS: DATE WHEN LAST SHELLFISH FROM THIS CONTAINER SOLD OR SERVED _________________.”
Shellfish processors have until January 1, 2019 to complete this change on their tags.
Energy and Renewable Improvements in Commercial
Aquaculture (ERICA) Grant Accepting Applications
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Energy has a grant program, ERICA,
to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy usage, and lower operating costs at commercial aquaculture
facilities in Florida. Grant funds will reimburse qualified applicants for 75% of purchasing costs for approved
energy upgrades to your facility which decrease energy usage or increase renewable energy utilization. Funding ranges from a minimum of $5,000 to a
maximum of $30,000. Qualified applicants are those applicants who are certified under Section 597.004,
Florida Statutes, and have a physical presence in the state of Florida. Applicants must maintain certification
throughout the project implementation and the one-year energy data collection period. Each applicant may
submit only ONE application in response to this Notice of Funding Availability. The application period will
remain open until all funds are expended. To date, thirteen farms have received ~$300,000 in grant reimbursement through this program for items like LED
lights, solar panels and energy efficient water pumps.
For additional information and links to the grant application visit:
Division Staff Changes Carrie Jones was promoted in October 2018 from Environmental Specialist II in the Shellfish Harvesting Area Classification program to Environmental Supervisor II at the division’s Apalachicola Shellfish Center. Carrie is responsible for administering submerged land lease assessments, management and compliance activities. Carrie has a Master of Science Degree in Coastal Marine and Wetland studies from Coastal Carolina University, and worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Fisheries-Dependent Monitoring program and Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve prior to joining the division six years ago. Carrie can be reached at [email protected]
Carrie Jones or by phone at (850) 323-6845.
Sarah Grosmaire recently joined the division as an Environmental Specialist II in the Tallahassee office, and will be responsible for performing facility inspections as part of the Aquaculture Certificate of Registration and Best Management Practices program. Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida, and previously worked for the division of Agriculture Environmental Services. Sarah can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at at (850) 617-7609. Sarah Grosmaire
