Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Industrial Salmon Farming on Eastern Shore
For the past couple weeks, news chatter between watermen, anglers, conservationists, environmentalists, scientists, farmers, foodies, and Eastern Shore residents has centered on a Norwegian start-up company, AquaCon’s, proposal to build a 25-acre indoor salmon farm near Federalsburg. The company estimates it would deposit an estimated 2.3 million gallons of filtered wastewater into Marshyhope Creek each day, and will produce 35 million pounds of salmon per year.
For those unaware, Marshyhope Creek is a tidal tributary that feeds into the Nanticoke River and, eventually, the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a sensitive and diverse habitat, rich in wildlife and aquatic species. It’s also home to Maryland’s only native Atlantic Sturgeon population—an endangered species once thought extinct in state waters. In fact, Marshyhope is federal and state designated critical habitat.
Last week, the Maryland Department of the Environment issued a key permit to AquaCon to allow for the wastewater discharge, putting the company one step closer toward finalizing it’s $1B proposal. This, despite a hearing on the project at Federalsburg Town Hall, where officials heard from residents, scientists, and other Marylanders—some of whom drove more than two hours to attend—speaking against the project. According to one attendee, “not one person in the room was in favor of the project.”
But the Governor’s office and the director of the Maryland Department of the Environment have voiced their support for AquaCon. So, what to do?
For starters learn more about the project at several websites: https://aquacon.com/facilities/ to get the company’s perspective. And this opinion article written jointly by several environmental organizational directors: https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/08/08/opinion-aquacons-proposed-industrial-salmon-farm-represents-a-major-environmental-risk-for-maryland/
And let us know what you think. Do you approve or disapprove of the proposed AquaCon salmon farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore?
Here’s what you said:
After reviewing the literature I oppose the permitting and licensing of the proposed farm.
Lannie Elderkin, North Beach
We absolutely need to fight this project! This level of potentially polluted water being pumped into Marshyhope Creek, could spell the end of some species and a balanced habitat for the upper Choptank River!
Jay Dayton, Oxford
From what I just read , this would be a huge positive for this region. I really can't think of the cons. Sounds like a win win situation. ALSO, however they are going to collect water, and then redistribute CLEANER water, is something that we should investigate and implement regardless of the salmon farming. It seems as though there are many tributaries that could use this and have a POSITIVE impact on those waters AND the CHESAPEAKE BAY.
Dave Ross, Annapolis
I am in support of industrial salmon farming. Having spent the majority of my professional career working with companies such as AquaCon, nationally and internationally, who provide products thru aquaculture, I believe does more to protect our environment and also sustains the supply chain, while protecting the habitat.
Duane Hilghman, Easton
Noooooooooooooo!!!!
Julie G, Annapolis
There has not been enough information released to the general public for the residents of the effected areas to form an opinion and weigh in on the construction and habitat impact this indoor fishery will cause. The decimation of the environment effecting not only thousands of people, but the very real possibility of the loss of habitat for the last of Maryland’s Atlantic Sturgeon population is enough to halt this proposed facility until all studies have been completed showing the pros and cons of this enterprise. Living on the Eastern Shore requires a respect for the water that sustains most of us, flowers and fauna included. Sinking land and fouled wells are a possibility. That is a big red flag to me! Do we need more fish farms? I personally do not like the taste of farmed fish of any type and do not buy it. I looked up the acronym HOG (found in AquaCon’s proposal), and saw that it stands for Head On Gutted fish. Does that mean that not only 2.3 million gallons of wastewater possibly containing some salmon fecal matter be pouring into Marshyhope Creek daily, but would also contain entrails? Think of the smell! Think of the destruction to this very fragile ecosystem! No, this project cannot go through until all parties present clear concise results of environmental studies and prominently publish them in newspapers and online so residents can fully understand what benefits or hazards they will be living with for many years. The consequences of this salmon farm could be disastrous. I bet most people effected would vote to abandon this “fish folly”.
Victoria Johnson , Chester
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