RSVP now for Wednesday's Virtual People's Hearing

Media Advisory for: Wednesday, September 30

Contact: Kara Watkins-Chow, kara.watkinschow@berlinrosen.com

Sarasota Residents Gather to Voice Concerns

on Construction of Industrial Fish Farm 

On Wednesday Sept. 30, Sarasota residents will gather for a virtual hearing to share their concerns about a proposed permit for the first industrial aquaculture facility in the Gulf of Mexico.

If permitted, the facility would grow thousands of fish in net pens in federal waters off the coast of Sarasota, releasing waste, pesticides and other pollutants directly into local ecosystems. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently poised to issue this permit without the opportunity for public input, so the organizers of the virtual hearing will record and deliver residents’ comments to public officials. This hearing follows several recent efforts from the White House and federal government to speed development in the Gulf of Mexico.

WHAT: Virtual People’s Hearing on Industrial Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico

WHO: Attendees will include Sarasota residents, fishermen, coastal business owners and environmental advocates. Hearing hosted by the Don’t Cage Our Ocean Coalition.

WHERE: Virtually on Zoom, with RSVP required here

WHEN: Wednesday, September 30 | 10:30am-12pm ET with an additional opportunity for drop-in testimony from 6:30pm-7:30pm ET

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Environment and Energy: Bloom, Sellers at CONA 1.10.20

Justin Bloom of Suncoast Waterkeeper spoke about the fish farming operation proposed for offshore of Sarasota - an EPA hearing is set for Jan. 28th at the Mote Wave Center, 5:30 pm. More on this here.

And Sean Sellers of the Suncoast Climate Justice Coalition spoke about what can be done to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, and who is getting behind this effort. Sarasota is one of 10 cities in Florida to have committed to government 100% renewable by 2030.


Click here or on the video below for the entire meeting:

This link will take you to Sean Sellers' full power point presentation on the perils facing a world that isn't quick enough on the uptake for renewable energy.