Aquaponics Digest - Wed 05/05/99




Message   1: Rooting cuttings

             from Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta

Message   2: Re: Germination of lettuce in hot weather

             from Jon Hays 

Message   3: Re: Rooting cuttings

             from S & S Aqua Farm 

Message   4: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

             from LC543119

Message   5: Hi....

             from joyeuse@netcom.ca (Joy Pye-Macswain)

Message   6: Re: Hi....

             from Glen Seibert 

Message   7: Re: Hi....

             from Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta

Message   8: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

             from Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta

Message   9: Re: Hi....

             from wesleycoggins@webtv.net (wesley coggins)

Message  10: Re: Hi....

             from "Mark Brotman" 

Message  11: RE: Hi....

             from Dorothy Cady 

Message  12: cabbage worms

             from Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta

Message  13: diatomeceous earth

             from Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta

Message  14: Re: Hi....

             from S & S Aqua Farm 

Message  15: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

             from Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta

Message  16: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

             from Jaarvis

Message  17: Re: Hi....

             from KLOTTTRUE

Message  18: Re: Hi....

             from wesleycoggins@webtv.net (wesley coggins)

Message  19: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

             from "TGTX" 

Message  20: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

             from "Andrew.D:Aquaculture Advantage" 

Message  21: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

             from "Andrew.D:Aquaculture Advantage" 

Message  22: Re: Rooting cuttings

             from Craig & Robin Prince 

Message  23: Aquaculture standards - US

             from S & S Aqua Farm 

Message  24: Organic Aqua-culture standards in debate by NOSB Lvst Cmte

             from S & S Aqua Farm 

Message  25: Public Comments Requested on Proposed National Aquaculture

  Program by USDA-APHIS

             from S & S Aqua Farm 

Message  26: Re: Germination of lettuce in hot weather

             from "William Brown" 

Message  27: Re: cabbage worms

             from "Wendy Nagurny" 

Message  28: Re: Hi....

             from "William Brown" 

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| Message 1                                                           |

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Subject: Rooting cuttings

From:    Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 05:16:49 -0400

Hi Craig,

    I've rooted tarragon and oregano successfully from cuttings in my

perlite beds.  Usually within a week you start to see roots.  If there

is a need to transplant I would wait until the roots are about an inch

long, a totally unscientific, intuitive decision.  I've tried to root a

couple of other cuttings without success, these were a passion vine and

blackberry cuttings. 

Adriana

> Lets get the ball rolling here.  Has anyone been sucsessful in starting

> soft wooded

> cuttings in gravel growing beds.

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| Message 2                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Germination of lettuce in hot weather

From:    Jon Hays 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 07:19:24 -0600

Hello Adriana: For germination of lettuce in hot weather try using an old

refrigerator and set the temp. at 55* and try that. You might have to use a

chiller on your irrigation after you transplant to keep your lettuce from

bolting.

John Hays

PS Enjoy all of your post, so keep posting.

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| Message 3                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Rooting cuttings

From:    S & S Aqua Farm 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 09:12:11 -0500

At 05:16 AM 5/5/99 -0400, Adriana wrote:

>Hi Craig,

>    I've rooted tarragon and oregano successfully from cuttings in my

>perlite beds.  Usually within a week you start to see roots.  If there

>is a need to transplant I would wait until the roots are about an inch

>long, a totally unscientific, intuitive decision.  I've tried to root a

>couple of other cuttings without success, these were a passion vine and

>blackberry cuttings. 

>

>Adriana

>

>

>> Lets get the ball rolling here.  Has anyone been sucsessful in starting

>> soft wooded

>> cuttings in gravel growing beds.

We've had good success with many "soft wooded" cuttings - Rosemary, Jasmine,

some trees, and others.  What specific plants did you have in mind, Craig?

Paula

S&S Aqua Farm, 8386 County Road 8820, West Plains, MO 65775  417-256-5124

Web page  http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/

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| Message 4                                                           |

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Subject: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

From:    LC543119

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 10:21:32 EDT

ADRIANA HOW DO YOU LIKE THE ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS FROM AUSTRALIA 

 GORDON

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| Message 5                                                           |

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Subject: Hi....

From:    joyeuse@netcom.ca (Joy Pye-Macswain)

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 10:38:56 -0400 (EDT)

Morning All....

I have just joined the list so thought that I might introduce myself...hope

that is alright...:) :) :)  I guess that I should start off by saying that 

my name is Joy Pye-MacSwain.  I hold a Masters of Science from the Atlantic 

Veterinary College, in Fish Health and Pharamcology and have several years 

experience with cold water fish species.  Translation...:) :) :)  I am a very 

fishy person...like to work with them and _love_ to eat them!  As for

growing things..not in tanks, that is ... I have managed to kill several

flowering 

things over the years.  Plants and I have not had a great relationship thus 

far...sigh.... but now that I have been hired as the Research Assistant for a 

brand new aquaponics facility to be build next weekend here in Nova Scotia, I 

am going to have to learn a lot about hydroponics, tomatoes, lettuce and how to 

put them all together with tilapia in re-circulating systems.  I will probably 

have a number of questions over the next while and I hope that all of you

will be 

willing to share your experiences and give lots of advice to a rank

beginner...:) :) 

Thank in advance.....  

Now where did I put that manuel on growing tomatoes in soilless media

again????  :)

Joy Pye-MacSwain,

Future Aqua Farms 

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| Message 6                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Hi....

From:    Glen Seibert 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 09:28:52 -0700

Welcome Joy Pye!  I envy you the beginning of a new adventure!

This place is "stocked" full of wonderful people who absolutely love to

share info...what a resource!

Good Luck!

Glen Seibert

Fullerton College Hydroponics

http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/clubs

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| Message 7                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Hi....

From:    Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 12:51:36 -0400

Welcome Joyce,

I can tell you'll fit right in with this crowd given your sense of

humor.  And your fishiness will be greatly appreciated by most of us. 

Those of us who work in the plant side of things will be happy to share

whatever knowlege we can.

Adriana (who in a former life did a 2-month consulting stint in Moncton

in January...)

> I have just joined the list so thought that I might introduce myself...hope

> that is alright...:) :) :)  I guess that I should start off by saying that

> my name is Joy Pye-MacSwain.

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| Message 8                                                           |

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Subject: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

From:    Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 12:52:43 -0400

WHAT ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS??????

By the way I had a super week last week, added 3 good accounts.

Adriana

LC543119 wrote:

> 

> ADRIANA HOW DO YOU LIKE THE ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS FROM AUSTRALIA

>  GORDON

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| Message 9                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Hi....

From:    wesleycoggins@webtv.net (wesley coggins)

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 15:27:35 -0400 (EDT)

Hi there,

I to have just joined the group, having fun raising Talapia and growing

many different kinds of veg's some of which are Cabbages and am having

problems with a green worm eating away at my cabbages, anybody got any

answers as how to get rid of them?

Wes & Carole

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| Message 10                                                          |

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Subject: Re: Hi....

From:    "Mark Brotman" 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 15:42:20 -0400

Try Dipel, which is Bacillus thuringensis bacteria.  Safe for fish, safe

for plants, very unsafe for caterpillars. Nice, natural solution.

Good luck!

Mark

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| Message 11                                                          |

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Subject: RE: Hi....

From:    Dorothy Cady 

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 13:44:41 -0600

>>>wesleycoggins@webtv.net wrote: "...am having problems with a green worm

eating away at my cabbages, anybody got any answers as how to get rid of

them?"

I get cabbage worms on my plants too, but they are in standard soil grow

boxes. The worms don't usually show up until the end of the growing season

when my plants are growing old and tired. I simply pick most of them off by

hand and squish them between two solid objects (like a couple of rocks).

Depending on how your plants are rooted, you may be able to sprinkle the

plants with diatomaceous earth. It cuts the worms and they die of

dehydration in a (couple?) of days, and you can just rinse the diatomaceous

earth off the cabbage before you eat it. (My apologies if this email is too

graphic.)

Good luck.

Dorothy

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| Message 12                                                          |

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Subject: cabbage worms

From:    Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 15:47:01 -0400

Wes,

I second the recommendation on BT.  I've also seen a suggestion to plant

all cabbage family plants together to facilitate pest control.

Adriana

 am having

> > problems with a green worm eating away at my cabbages, anybody got any

> > answers as how to get rid of them?

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| Message 13                                                          |

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Subject: diatomeceous earth

From:    Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 15:50:53 -0400

A friend passed on an Amish pest control method which involved mixing

diatomeceous earth  with water and spraying it on the plants.  In

researching this further I found out that there is a food-grade DE which

is used in grains and flours to keep it from clumping, it is essentially

silica.  If you use this there is no ned to rinse it off of the plants. 

I haven't tried it yet but found numerous sources for the food-grade DE

on-line, mostly in Y2K sites:>)...

Adriana

> Depending on how your plants are rooted, you may be able to sprinkle the

> plants with diatomaceous earth. It cuts the worms and they die of

> dehydration in a (couple?) of days, and you can just rinse the diatomaceous

> earth off the cabbage before you eat it.

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| Message 14                                                          |

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Subject: Re: Hi....

From:    S & S Aqua Farm 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 14:51:32 -0500

At 03:27 PM 5/5/99 -0400, Wes wrote:

>Hi there,

>

>I to have just joined the group, having fun raising Talapia and growing

>many different kinds of veg's some of which are Cabbages and am having

>problems with a green worm eating away at my cabbages, anybody got any

>answers as how to get rid of them?

Glad you're finally with us, Wes.  

You'll need to buy some Bt (bacteria thuring.....sorry, I can't remember the

full spelling) - it's a specific treatment for caterpillars .  Try to spray

when it's not full sun.  You spray it onto the crop (does not harm the crop

or anyone who eats it). The caterpillars take one bite and STOP.  Although

they don't just fall away as they would with some chemical cures, they also

don't do any more damage, and the treatment is safe for all of us (including

the fish in your system).

You should be able to find it at any location that carries garden

products...maybe even Wally World, but for certain garden supply centers and

farm supply.   

The caterpillars will eventually drop off and become part of your compost,

but the damage will stop.  Most of the time your plants will be able to

recover.  It's the only way I know to safely stop them short of stripping

out the entire bed and spraying the gravel.

Let us know how you do.

Paula

S&S Aqua Farm, 8386 County Road 8820, West Plains, MO 65775  417-256-5124

Web page  http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/

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| Message 15                                                          |

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Subject: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

From:    Adriana Gutierrez & Dennis LaGatta 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 15:57:08 -0400

My apologies to the group, I thought I was sending a private reply. 

Gordon, I wondered if someone had sent me a sample that I hadn't

received.  The drippers I'm using are made by Antico, which I thought

were Dutch, are those the ones you were referring to?  

Anyway, I  love the drippers, they can be adjusted down to a single

drop, much better than what you can get in the irrigation department of

Home Depot.

If anyone wants a source send me an e-mail and I'll put you in touch. 

The place I got them from originally no longer does small accounts.

Adriana

LC543119 wrote:

> 

> ADRIANA HOW DO YOU LIKE THE ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS FROM AUSTRALIA

>  GORDON

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| Message 16                                                          |

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Subject: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

From:    Jaarvis

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 16:01:14 EDT

i'd be interested in the source,

thanks

jaarvis

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| Message 17                                                          |

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Subject: Re: Hi....

From:    KLOTTTRUE

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 17:05:00 EDT

In a message dated 5/5/99 3:28:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 

wesleycoggins@webtv.net writes:

<< Hi there,

 

 I to have just joined the group, having fun raising Talapia and growing

 many different kinds of veg's some of which are Cabbages and am having

 problems with a green worm eating away at my cabbages, anybody got any

 answers as how to get rid of them?

 

 Wes & Carole B B Gun

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| Message 18                                                          |

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Subject: Re: Hi....

From:    wesleycoggins@webtv.net (wesley coggins)

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 17:43:37 -0400 (EDT)

THANKS TO ALL .

Wes & Carole

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| Message 19                                                          |

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Subject: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

From:    "TGTX" 

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 18:24:59 -0500

I thought the Adjustable Drippers were that Zydeco Band from Louisiana...or

was that a steel drum band from Trinidad?

Muse-e-cologically,

Ted

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| Message 20                                                          |

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Subject: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

From:    "Andrew.D:Aquaculture Advantage" 

Date:    Thu, 6 May 1999 09:48:54 +0930

Hi all .

My good friend and associate is the maker of the Copeland adjustable

drippers and irrigation systems here in Australia. After speaking with him

about what a good bunch you all were, he said he would consider a rep by one

of you for your state to redistribute, if anyone was interested.

Reply to asdd@twpo.com.au

Andrew

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| Message 21                                                          |

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Subject: Re: ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS

From:    "Andrew.D:Aquaculture Advantage" 

Date:    Thu, 6 May 1999 09:53:29 +0930

I will send you some more details Jarvis. Please send me a profile on your

self and the quantities you would require.

Andrew

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| Message 22                                                          |

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Subject: Re: Rooting cuttings

From:    Craig & Robin Prince 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 19:15:03 -0700

Thanks, Adriana , Paula - and everyone else who is listening :)

yall are great.

I am thinking about berry vines,  also flowering shrubs (tea tree)-(Berberis)

types.

Possibly perenials.

Thanks for the input

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| Message 23                                                          |

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Subject: Aquaculture standards - US

From:    S & S Aqua Farm 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 21:14:55 -0500

The following two posts are forwarded messages concerning the proposed

aquaculture standards in the US (as detailed in the Federal Aquaculture

Briefs), as well as a posting concerning the NOSB debates on the standards.

If these are not of interest to you, please delete.

This is not to eliminate discussion on this list, but the postings are

lengthy and I wanted to let you know.

Paula

S&S Aqua Farm, 8386 County Road 8820, West Plains, MO 65775  417-256-5124

Web page  http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/

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| Message 24                                                          |

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Subject: Organic Aqua-culture standards in debate by NOSB Lvst Cmte

From:    S & S Aqua Farm 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 21:18:29 -0500

Hello Paula,

    I thought this might be of interest to the list but it's a litle

long. If you feel it's appropriate, feel free to post any or all.

                                                Gordon

-----------------------------------------------

From: Erorganic

Date: Mon, 3 May 1999 10:03:54 EDT

Subject: Organic Aqua-culture standards in debate by NOSB Lvst Cmte

To: Organic4um

A communication from the ORGANIC FORUM:

Facilitated by Eric Kindberg, certified organic farmer

Email: erorganic

Website: http://members.aol.com/organic4um

Written contributions and comments are sought.

If you desire your email address to be removed from our circulation list, 

please inform us.  To be added to this email circulation request to 

organic4um

ORGANIC FORUM--Organic Aqua-culture statements

May 1, 1999

Organic Forum comments:

Here is the text of an up-coming aquaculture article.  The only blatant error 

in the proposed NOSB recommendations is not allowing wild aquatic products to 

be fed, as I see it.  This error arises because the Livestock Committee 

appears to not agree with the wild crop section of OFPA as being interpreted 

for wild aquatic animals--perhaps, it only applies to aquatic plants, kelp 

being and "organically produced" aquatic wild crop.  Some Committee members' 

thought processes conflict with the "livestock" definition in OFPA which 

allows the production site of wild animals to be certified.  The definition 

of a "certified organic farm" includes certification of "sites."

Your comments should be made to: Livestock Committee  NOSB_Livestock@usda.gov 

Other NOSB Committee email addresses are: 

Accreditation Committee  NOSB_Accredit@usda.gov 

                    Crops Committee  NOSB_Crops@usda.gov 

                    Executive Committee NOSB_Executive@usda.gov 

                    Livestock Committee  NOSB_Livestock@usda.gov 

                    Interdisciplinary Committee on Processing Principles  

NOSB_Interdisc@usda.gov 

                    International Committee  NOSB_International@usda.gov 

                    Materials Committee  NOSB_Materials@usda.gov 

                    Processing Committee  NOSB_Processing@usda.gov 

Best,   Eric

ORGANIC AQUACULTURE?

A big opportunity for the right small fish farmer.

A rapidly emerging retail market in North America and Europe is organic 

foods. In the US, total expenditures in this sector trebled from 1992 through 

1997 to $4.2 billion, which is 1% of US grocery store sales. While still 

small, the organic food market is growing at an annual rate of 25 percent. 

The leading US natural foods retailer, Whole Foods Market, Inc., has grown 

from sales of $90 million in 1991 through 10 stores, to $1.4 billion in 1998 

with 87 stores, -- a remarkable rate of 40% per year. The second largest 

re-tailer, Wild Oats, is growing as fast. Some large retail chains now offer 

organic fruits, vegetables, poultry and meats.

        Natural foods retailing has clear lines of differentia-tion by 

seeking to provide their discerning customers with the best possible products 

that are nutritious and healthy, fresh, safe, pure, and grown in the most 

environmentally sustainable manner. This generally means fruits, vegetables, 

meats and poultry free of pesticides and herbicides, hor-mones and growth 

promoters, synthetic colorants and other additives, and antibiotics, plus 

other factors. 

        Hundreds of farms and food processors supply this emerging market, 

many operating under organic standards monitored by third-party certifiers. 

Where certification standards are not yet developed, such as in seafood, 

natural foods retailers carefully source these products to their particular 

standards. Organic certifications are awarded by a number of private 

organizations and state bodies. In 1990, Congress passed the Federal Organic 

Foods Production Act that mandates that the United States Department of 

Agricul-ture establish national standards for the certification of organic 

foods. At present, the USDA is grinding through this process including 

organic standards for aquaculture.

        In my article in the January/February issue of Aquacul-ture Magazine 

entitled Who is Capturing Aquaculture's Val-ues? I point out how exceptional 

value creation awaits fish farmers who move out of hyper-competitive pricing 

of their commodities into markets where they have greater control over the 

value chain. Organic aquaculture is precisely such an opportunity.

        At the Monterey Bay Food Group, we estimate that the present market 

potential for aquaculture grown seafood through natural food retailers on an 

annual basis to be ap-proximately 2 million pounds of salmon, 3.5 million 

pounds of shrimp, 1.2 million pounds of catfish, 200,000 pounds of tilapia 

fillets, and 1 million oysters, with perhaps some-what fewer clams. These are 

very rough estimates. Price checks in natural food stores indicate a premium 

of $1.00 per pound is often charged for the superior qualities of-fered. The 

opportunity-providing small size of this market is of significant importance, 

which will be developed later in this article.

        The proposed USDA standards for organic aqua-culture will be 

impossible to meet. If adopted in their present form, there will be no 

certifiable aquaculture products. Discerning customers seeking the qualities 

assured by or-ganic certification will be deprived of such as-surances for 

farm grown seafoods. The purpose of organic certifications will be pre-empted.

ABSENCE OF FISH FARMERS IN ESTABLISHING THESE STANDARDS 

The proposed standards, drafted by the Livestock Com-mittee of the National 

Organic Standards Board, appear to be prepared by people with little 

knowledge about fish farming absent of any involvement of the industrial 

aquaculture com-munity.

        These draft standards, following criteria for other forms of 

livestock, address several issues, including the fish growing environment; 

feed components; nutrient levels in discharge waters; predator control; 

breeding and egg ma-nipulation; health care and medications; harvesting and 

killing; and processing. While certainly there are some com-mon criteria in 

all areas of organic livestock certifica-tion, such as prohibitions of 

pesticides, the approach of one-size-fits-all does not recognize the wide 

diversity of species, environments, feeding requirements, etc., found in 

aquaculture. Clams grown in the open ocean and catfish in freshwater ponds 

are treated the same, as are cold water salmon and warm water shrimp. 

European organic aquaculture standards take a species specific approach.

PREEMPTION

        There are several clearly pre-emptive conditions in the proposed 

standards that follow in italics. Netcages and net-pens are not allowed. This 

one requirement eliminates the entire salmon industry, the second most 

consumed aquaculture product in the United States. 

        Organisms that have been genetically manipulated (e.g. triploiding, 

gynogenesis, etc.) or that have been subjected to hormone treatment are 

prohibited. This requirement elimi-nates tilapia, the aquaculture product 

with the most rapid market growth, and other mono-sex crops.

        Feed additives, with the exception of minerals, vita-mins, phaffia 

yeast, and enzymes of natural origin, are pro-hibited. This proposed standard 

raises a contradiction. Vi-tamins are essential for good fish health, and 

superior ani-mal health is mandated. Vitamin E, a major component in feeds 

for salmonids and other fish, is extracted from soy-beans. While some organic 

soybeans are certified for feeds, there is no source of vitamin E extracted 

from organic soy-beans. Therefore, fish cannot be fed this vitamin that is 

essential for the good animal health requirement under the standard. It would 

preclude most, if not all, species of fish grown on formulated diets.

FISHMEAL AND FISH OIL

        The most vexing proposal is Fishmeal and fishoil ob-tained from wild 

caught fish will not be allowed. This would destroy the very essence of 

organic certification, i.e., healthy and nutritious seafood. Medical 

literature is re-plete with the connection between seafood and good human 

health, and with the identification of omega-3 fatty acids, which are high in 

many seafoods, as the reason. Coronary disease, cancer, and other diseases 

and ailments are be-lieved to result from an absence of sufficient omega-3 

fatty acids in our modern diets of processed foods. In many cases, less 

desirable and counteracting omega-6 fatty acids are substituted.

        A recent survey by Applied Biometrics of Stuart, Flor-ida determined 

that 82 percent of Americans are aware of fish oil as a health providing 

nutrient, with 53 percent specifically aware of omega-3's.

        Farm grown salmon diets are high in fish oils that pro-vide high 

levels of omega-3 fatty acids to the people who consume this fish. There are 

no other sources of fish oil than from wild fish, and this requirement to 

proscribe the use of fish oils obtained from wild caught fish would force 

salmon feed formulators to use other lipids. Other lipids used in poultry 

agriculture, include oils from soybeans, safflower, corn, tallow, and yellow 

grease. These are low in omega-3 fatty acids and high in saturated fats and 

omega-6 fatty acids. With a substitution of these lipids, basic rea-sons for 

consumers selecting salmon and other seafoods (i.e., nutrition and health) 

would be frustrated. Unwitting consumers expecting superior sources of health 

factors such as omega-3 fatty acids, would, in fact, be eating fish low in 

the very factors they assume they are buying. This highly unfortunate 

condition would be the result of meeting organic certification requirements. 

Healthy organic salmon would be an oxymoron. 

        A second reason consumers purchase fish is taste. Dr. Ron Hardy, in 

his regular column in the January/February 1998, issue of this magazine 

titled Nutritional Benefits of Farmed Fish, reported that with salmon fed 

substitute lipids such as safflower oil, taste panelists could easily 

distin-guish fish fed safflower oil from those fed herring oil. It is 

contrary to organic certification to cause the production of unnaturally 

flavored products, and to force the elimina-tion of natural nutritional 

components essential to good hu-man health.

FISH MEAL AND OTHER SOURCES OF PROTEIN

        As with fish oil, there are substitute sources of pro-tein for 

fishmeal. Much current research in the US by Dr. Hardy and others is directed 

towards using grain meals in fish rations. However, grain meals are high in 

phytic acid, an organic form of phosphorous not digested by fish. This 

results in high levels of phosphorous in discharges from farms employing 

grains in fish diets, which is a major envi-ronmental concern. High 

phosphorous discharges are contrary to standards to prevent the discharge of 

wastewater contain-ing excessive levels of nutrients. 

In his November/December 1998 column Phytate, Dr. Hardy reported one solution 

is to employ meals from grains geneti-cally modified to produce lower levels 

of phytate. However, genetically modified grains are not allowed under 

organic standards. Another solution is to add phytase, an enzyme produced by 

genetically modified yeast, to fish diets. Prod-ucts from genetically 

modified organisms are also prohib-ited.

        In addition to grain meals substituted for fishmeal as a protein 

source, livestock feed formulators employ a wide range of meat and poultry 

byproducts. Meat and bone meal, feather meal, blood meal, and now hydrolyzed 

hog's hair, are commercial sources of protein. The proposed aquaculture 

standards do not consider the use of these animal products, and careful 

consideration should be given to their prohibi-tion. Some consumers attracted 

to natural foods choose to not eat red meats and poultry, and rely upon fish 

to supply animal protein. By feeding recycled meat and poultry byprod-ucts 

(i.e., meat and bone meal, hydrolyzed feather meal, blood meal, and 

hydrolyzed hogs hair), along with animal fats (tallow, yellow grease, etc.) 

to farm grown fish, this consumer group would eat the meats they seek to 

avoid by buying fish. Ironically, these meat-fed fish would be sold as 

organically certified.

CREDITABILITY OF ALL AQUACULTURE

        This issue of substitutes for fishmeal and oils is con-siderably 

broader than organic certification. At present, fish oils are largely used in 

fish feed formulations, and unlike the broiler industry, non-fish oils are 

not. However, as I have developed in earlier articles in this Magazine, large 

scale aquaculture is following the evolution of the broiler industry, and it 

may only be a matter of time when lipids low in omega-3 fatty acids and high 

in saturated, trans-saturated, mono-unsaturated, and omega-6 fatty acids from 

grain oils and animal fats are extensively employed. 

With a switch away from fishmeal and fish oil, the consuming public will seek 

out and eat large amounts of farm grown fish because of per-ceptions of 

healthiness, but not receive the health factors for which they pay. The 

credit-ability of all aquaculture would be at stake.

WHY THE PROSCRIPTION OF FISHMEAL AND OIL?

        A body of thought with some environmental protectionist is that 

fishmeals and oils from wild resources are placing unsustainable harvest 

demands on these fisheries. This is coupled with a concern that these fish 

could better be used directly for human consumption, particularly by poorly 

fed children in developing countries, instead of feeding ani-mals. 

The principal source of fishmeal and fish oil for aqua-culture in the United 

States is menhaden, a fish unique to US waters in the Gulf of Mexico and off 

mid-Atlantic states. Unlike cod and some other ocean fisheries that have been 

de-stroyed or heavily impacted by over-fishing by a multitude of fishing 

boats from different nations, the menhaden re-source is largely harvested by 

one US company, Omega Pro-tein, with their take regulated by the Federal 

Government and the several state governments. Omega Protein accounts for 85% 

of all menhaden oil produced. There is no evidence that this fishery is 

over-harvested. Furthermore, menhaden is an oily and bony fish unsuitable for 

consumption by un-dernourished children.

        The proscription of fishmeal and oil from wild caught fish is 

counter-productive and un-justified. The inclusion of fishmeal and fish oil 

from sustainablely harvested wild resources is not only consistent with 

organic certifica-tion, but essential if organic standards are to be faithful 

in providing high levels of nutri-tion and health. Inclusion of fishmeal and 

fish oil in aquaculture feeds should be required and not proscribed.

MUCH VALUE TO BE CREATED

        

        I expect the USDA will adopt some form of organic stan-dards this 

June, and a small but significant portion of the US population may be able to 

purchase farm-grown seafoods with assurances that their needs for the best 

possible nu-trition and health, freshness and safety, wholesomeness, and 

environmental sustainability are satisfied. However, if de-prived of 

reasonable organic certification for farm grown fish and shellfish, these 

discriminating consumers will not know what has been fed the fish they eat.

        The establishment of workable organic standards for aquaculture 

presents an opportunity for some growers to cre-ate unusual value for their 

companies by moving higher up the value chain that they better control. This 

is particu-larly true for small farmers. 

With the small size and specialized nature of this mar-ket, it is unlikely 

that big producers will enter. Big com-panies shun small and specialized 

markets. Small markets don't solve their near-term growth needs. A company 

produc-ing 30 million pounds of salmon each year in a market grow-ing 15% a 

year is not attracted to a market of only 2 mil-lion pounds, even with a 

higher growth rate. Big producers do not do well serving small-differentiated 

markets, and aquaculture is no different.

Organic aquaculture is an unusual opportunity for small producers willing to 

go to great bother to source their feed ingredients carefully, to abide by 

restrictions such as maximum stocking densities, keep extensive daily 

records, --and most of all, to think, breath, and live organic. Those who do, 

while incurring greater production costs, will re-ceive better prices, get 

paid on time, and receive other benefits from natural food retailers who seek 

them out to become value creating trade partners.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT!

Before organic certification of aquaculture products occurs, the aquaculture 

industry must become involved with the USDA's National Organic Standards 

Board to assure that criteria for certification are workable and reasonable 

for growers, while providing health, nutrition, safety, and other criteria 

sought by consumers in this very special mar-ket. People with opposing 

interests like those seeking to proscribe fishmeal and oil from wild caught 

fish have been, are, and will be involved in this process.

        Interested readers should visit the National Organic Program Website 

at . To send email to the livestock committee, click on 

National Organic Standards Board, then on NOSB Committees. While the proposed 

aquacul-ture standards are not yet posted, they are available from the 

Chairman of the Livestock Committee, Mr. Fred Kirsch-mann, at 

. He intends to adopt aquacul-ture standards this June.

Like all areas of government rulemaking, it is easier to establish workable 

standards with involvement at the out-set, than to attempt change after 

adoption. The aquaculture industry learned this important lesson with the 

passage of Lacey Act amendments in the early 1980s that had no industry 

involvement, and then became the curse of legitimate fish farmers.

Now is the time for the aquaculture community to get involved in the adoption 

of organic standards for aquacul-ture, not later. Time is of the essence. 

Wait-and-see will only preclude organically aquaculture products from 

becoming a valuable segment in our industry. We have a high value creating 

opportunity to better serve our markets that must move forward with our 

active participation.

                                        George S. Lockwood

                                        Carmel Valley, California

                                        April 25, 1999

                                        

My comments:

To The Livestock Committee of the National Organic Standards Board

Reference: Comments on the Draft Recommendations for Organic 

Aquaculture 

January 25, 1999

Dear members,

We have reviewed the Livestock Draft Recommendations below.  We, as certified 

organic farmers differ with the Committee's recommendation and feel the Draft 

Recommendations are in some places inconsistent with the language and intent 

of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.  We strongly support the 

implementation of organic standards, the organic wild crop management plan 

and the certification of wild crop livestock sites for wild aquatic livestock 

in the USDA/NOP's Final Rule.  A USDA/NOP organic aquaculture standard should 

encompass both pond, river, bathtub and ocean raised aquatic livestock as 

well as wild crop production of aquatic livestock.  

Organic Forum comments are indicated as such within the following Proposed 

Aqua-culture Recommendation of the NOSB Livestock Committee below.

Best regards,

Eric Kindberg, certified organic farmer

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD

ORGANIC AQUACULTURE STANDARDS

Second draft written by Frederick Kirschenmann

Date Submitted: October 20, 1998

Purpose: For review and revision by the NOSB Livestock Committee and 

submission to the NOSB

AUTHORIZED METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR

THE PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC FINFISH and SHELLFISH

A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

I. Fish shall be reared in a habitat that meets the basic physiological 

requirements and behavioral needs of the species being grown.

2. To avoid escapes of domestically reared fish into the wild, and wild fish 

entering a farm, only enclosed, self-contained, ponds and other facilities 

will be allowed. Netcages and netpens are not allowed.

Comment:

In pond raised organic aquaculture we feel for each fish rearing pond or 

series of rearing ponds, there should be a sediment pond or ponds of similar 

size that the rearing pond water flows into before the water exits to the 

environment.  A similar size sediment pond where fish are not purposely 

raised offers a degree of protection against environmental contamination from 

fish wastes, and the more likelihood of preventing disease and parasite 

contamination of the fish rearing pond.  Sediment ponds offer an effective 

slowing down of the entrance of unwanted fish and wild aquatic livestock into 

the fish rearing pond(s).  

B. FEED

1. Feed components must be produced in accordance with USDA

organic standards for livestock feed.

2. Plant-based feed sources must be from organic production. 

3. Only feeds with low fishmeal content are allowed (no more than 20%)

Comments:

We believe that 1 and 2 above unduly restricts the sources of protein for 

feeding aquatic livestock.  Wild harvest aquaculture products are allowed for 

crop fertility on organic farms under OFPA and in the private sector 

certification standards now.  The requirement we feel that offers a safeguard 

from possible feed contamination of wild harvested aquatic products is to 

require random sample testing from each 2000 pounds of wild aquatic feed.  

Item 4 below is in contradiction with Item 1 above.  Item 1 requires all feed 

to be from "organically produced" sources, while item 4, below, allows 

non-organically produced feed.

4. Fishmeal and fish oil must be sourced from waste products of processed 

wild, marine fish or from certified organic fish farms. Fishmeal and fishoil 

obtained from wild caught fish will not be allowed.

Comment:

The last sentence of item 4 does not seem to be logically supportable and 

places an undue burden on organic aquatic livestock producers.  The sentence 

should be removed.

5. Artificial colors, binders and synthetic astaxanthin are prohibited.

6. Antibiotics in feed and extrudents from fishmeal are prohibited.

7. Feed additives, with the exception of minerals, vitamins, phaffia yeast, 

and enzymes of natural origin, are prohibited.

Comment:

Item 7 should be rewritten to be consistent with OFPA and the National List 

process.  Vitamins and minerals, livestock parasiticides and medicines used 

in organic aquatic livestock production must be petitioned, reviewed and 

included on the National List by specific use and application.  Under OFPA 

"Phaffia yeast" and "enzymes of natural origin," unless they are "organically 

produced" are not allowed to be fed as feed supplements to aquatic livestock 

producing "organically produced" livestock products.  Under OFPA, there are 

no categories for "feed supplements" or "feed additives" open for inclusion 

on the National List. 

C. ENVIRONMENT

1. Organic fish farms shall be managed to make optimum use of nutrients and 

minimize waste. This can best be accomplished by creating diversified fish 

farms, including more than one species and recycling freshwater aquaculture 

effluents into cropping systems. If aquaculture effluents are not recycled, 

farmers must employ practices to prevent the discharge of wastewater 

containing excessive levels of nutrients (e.g. constructing settling ponds, 

etc.)

2. Water used in fresh water farms must meet EPA water quality standards and 

must be monitored daily for ideal environment (e.g. ammonia, nitrate & oxygen 

levels, salinity, pH etc.)

[We may want to specify water quality standards more specifically and add 

quality standards for saltwater farms]

3. Stock densities shall be limited to 10 kg of fish per cubic meter of water.

4. When predator control becomes necessary, only non-lethal means shall be 

used.

5. All pipe lines, tanks and water reservoirs shall be free of lead (Pb), 

impregnating materials, or other substances which have the potential to harm 

fish, humans or the environment.

Comment:

Items 1 through 5 represent micro-management of organic aquaculture and 

should be removed from the Draft Recommendation.  Stocking rates have not 

been applied to any other livestock and to retain consistency should not be 

applied to aquatic livestock.  Organic aquatic producers as all organic 

farmers must conform to governmental regulations related to producing food 

products.  There is no need to further detail those requirements, but at the 

most only to state certified organic farmers must conform to all government 

regulations.   

D. ORIGIN, BREEDING OFffFOCK-

1. Organisms that have been genetically manipulated (e.g. triploiding, 

gynogenesis, etc.) or that have been subjected to hormone treatment are 

prohibited.

Comment:

Item 1, above, states the general requirements for the production of 

"organically produced" livestock products found in OFPA and should be found 

as general statements in the USDA/NOP's Final Rule.  They do not need to be 

reiterated herein.

2. Fish stocks (eggs, hens, parrs, smolts, etc.) shall be sourced from 

certified organic fish farms. If organic stock is not available, stock may be 

procured from conventional farms provided that they meet the requirements 

under D 1 of this section and that two thirds of their lifespan is under 

organic management.

Comment:

Allowing one third of the lifespan of aquatic livestock from which 

"organically produced" products are derived to not be under organic 

management nor organically fed is inconsistent with OFPA and the NOSB 

recommendations for raising of organic livestock.  Aquatic livestock should 

be treated similar to poultry, having to be raised under organic management 

and fed "organically produced" from the day old status.  

3. Mutilation is not allowed, including for the purpose of inducing 

reproduction (e.g. eyestock ablation in shrimp)

Comment:

Consistency in organic livestock production standards should be practiced 

here.  "Mutilation" by tail docking, ear tagging, caponizing, branding, 

castrating are allowed in organically fed livestock.  Why prohibit 

mutilations only in organically managed aquatic livestock.  

E. HEALTH CARE

1. As in any organic system, health in aquaculture systems shall be 

maintained principally through prevention. Biosecurity measures to prevent 

the introduction of disease from the wild (and vice vets) shall be required.

2. The routine use of any synthetic chemical substances, hormones, or 

antibiotics is strictly prohibited. If such have to be used as an emergency 

for disease control, the treated fish must be sold as non-organic. Natural 

vaccines and natural immunostimulants (e.g. yeast, fungi, etc.) are are 

allowed.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide, sodium chloride, quicklime or potassium permanganate 

are allowed for parasite control.

Comment:

The first sentence of item 2 above speaking of subtherupeutic use does not 

need to be restated as these details are stated in OFPA as applicable to all 

livestock.  The second sentence of Item 2 speaks to thereuputic use of 

medicines, and does not take into consideration the OFPA National List 

petition process for the use of livestock medicines.  It would be a violation 

for the USDA/NOP to outlaw a standard or process that is mandated to take 

place under OFPA.  

Item 3 substances, if natural, are all allowed unless prohibited on the 

National List.  All synthetic parasiticides must be petitioned, reviewed, 

evaluated and included on the National List by specific use or application in 

aquatic and all livestock.  

Both 2 and 3 should be removed from the Draft Recommendations.

F. HARVESTING

        1. The killing procedure shall be as expeditious and stress free as 

possible. Methods such as concussion, carbon dioxide, electrocution, etc. may 

be used as appropriate to the species.  Water temperature should be gradually 

lowered to 4 degrees centigrade prior to killing.

Comment:

What is the reasoning behind reducing water temperature to 4 degrees 

centigrade prior to killing?  Is this the standard of the industry?

        2. Fish processing must conform to all FDA regulations for fish and 

fishery products (Federal Register 60 FR 65095)

added: A section on siting (suitable private lands, public lands, etc.) ].

S&S Aqua Farm, 8386 County Road 8820, West Plains, MO 65775  417-256-5124

Web page  http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/

.------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------.

| Message 25                                                          |

'------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------'

Subject: Public Comments Requested on Proposed National Aquaculture

  Program by USDA-APHIS

From:    S & S Aqua Farm 

Date:    Wed, 05 May 1999 21:21:57 -0500

***********************************************************************

                   FEDERAL AQUACULTURE BRIEFS

USDA-CSREES                                          No. 99-13

                                 May 5, 1999

***********************************************************************

          Public Comments Requested on Proposed National 

                               Aquaculture Program by 

                                       USDA-APHIS

Please share and distribute the following Federal Register notice to 

others who may wish to provide comments and recommendations on 

programs and regulations pertaining to aquaculture in the U.S. under 

consideration by USDA-APHIS.

Gary Jensen

USDA-CSREES

______________________________

[Federal Register: May 4, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 85)]

[Proposed Rules]               

[Page 23795-23796]

========================================================================

Proposed Rules

                                                Federal Register

________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the

proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is

to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making

prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Chapter I

[Docket 98-085-1]

RIN 0579-AB09

Aquaculture: Farm-Raised Fin Fish

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comments.

SUMMARY: We are considering establishing programs and regulations for

farm-raised fin fish. A national program could help protect the health of

farm-raised fin fish, help producers of farm-raised fin fish meet

international trade requirements, and help encourage international trade in

U.S. aquaculture products. We are asking for comments on whether we should

establish such programs and, if so, the type and extent of the programs. We

are also asking for comments on whether to use negotiated rulemaking to

develop regulations for any programs that we may establish.

DATES: Consideration will be given only to comments received on or 

before July 6, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Please send an original and three copies of your comment to

Docket No. 98-085-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, suite

3C03, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that

your comments refer to Docket No. 98-085-1. Comments received may be

inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence

Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through

Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect comments are requested

to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the comment

reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Otis Miller, Jr., National 

Aquaculture Coordinator, National Animal Health Programs, VS, APHIS, 

4700 River Road Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, (301) 734-6954.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has received 21

petitions asking us to promulgate animal health regulations and perhaps

other regulatory programs to deal with farm-raised fin fish as livestock.

These petitions are from State farm bureaus, industry associations,

individual producers, State officials, and businesses that serve

aquaculture industries.

    One petition requested that we define domesticated farm-raised fish as

livestock ``so that USDA can provide farmers with needed services identical

to those received by other American farm raised animals.''

    Most of the petitions we have received addressed only farm-raised fin

fish. However, several addressed a broader range of aquatic species. One

letter stated that we should recognize the entire industry--``clams,

aquatic plants, alligators, tropical fish, and fish raised for human

consumption''--as ``general farming.'' One stated that we should define

``farmed aquatic animals, such as fish and shrimp,'' as livestock. Another

asked us to define ``domesticated farm-raised fish and shellfish'' as

livestock. Other letters suggested that we consider domestically raised

fish and shellfish as livestock, and stated that ``[a]quatic farmers are a

diverse group growing a number of species of fish, crustaceans, and

mollusks.''

    The petitioners are concerned mainly with receiving the same 

services that domestic producers of livestock receive for animals 

moving in interstate and foreign commerce. Examples are diagnostic and

certification services, protecting the industry by preventing importation

of pests and diseases, and supporting commerce by simplifying interstate

movement (now, each State sets its own requirements).

    Based on the petitions, it is difficult for us to determine what 

segments of the aquaculture industry want services and exactly what 

sevices they want. It is also difficult to determine what the different

petitioners want to accomplish by inviting Federal regulation.

    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is 

authorized to regulate to protect the health of livestock and poultry in

the United States. We have many regulatory programs covering poultry,

horses, swine, cattle, and other livestock. Our regulatory programs also

cover animals that could transmit diseases or pests of livestock or

poultry. Our programs for ``traditional'' livestock are intended to: (1)

Prevent the importation of diseases and pests; (2) regulate interstate

movement in a uniform manner; (3) provide diagnostic laboratory services;

(4) regulate vaccines and biologic reagents used in animals; and (5)

control and/or eradicate diseases and pests already found in the United

States.

    Based on the petitions we have received, we are considering whether to

expand services to farm-raised fin fish. We already provide some services

to aquaculture industries. Specifically, we provide laboratory diagnostic

services, endorse export health certificates for aquatic animals and

aquatic animal products, and license vaccines and biologic reagents for use

in aquatic animals. We also control damage done by wild birds and other

animals to farmed aquatic animals. Some of these services are paid for

through user fees and cooperative agreements. If we were to offer

additional services and programs, we would need funds to pay for them. We

are interested in comments on how such services and programs should be

funded.

What Programs and Regulations Should We Establish?

    Before we decide whether to propose regulations covering farm-

raised fin fish, we want the views and recommendations of all 

interested persons on the following specific issues:

    1. We have received petitions to promulgate rules and regulations

concerning domesticated farm-raised fin fish. However, as many of the

petitions acknowledge, U.S. aquaculture industries include more than just

domesticated fin fish. Letters referred not only to fish, but to clams,

alligators, tropical fish (for aquariums), fish raised for human

consumption, shrimp, mollusks, and crustaceans. Should we consider

regulating only domesticated farm-raised fin fish, or should we consider

regulating other aquatic animals as well? If we should consider a broader

regulatory program, what species should we include, and why?

    2. We already provide some services to aquaculture industries. We

provide laboratory diagnostic services, endorse export health certificates

for aquatic animals and aquatic animal products, and license vaccines and

biologic reagents for use in aquatic animals. We also control damage done

by wild birds and other animals to farmed aquatic animals. Should we expand

the range of our services? If we expand our services to aquaculture

industries, what new or additional services should we consider providing?

    3. We currently regulate the importation of livestock and poultry and

livestock and poultry products. These regulations are designed to prevent

diseases and pests of livestock and poultry from being introduced into the

United States. Should we consider adopting regulations to prevent the

introduction of diseases and pests of aquatic animal species? If so, should

the regulations be similar to those we have for livestock and poultry? If

not, how should the regulations be different?

    4. We work closely with industry and State representatives to 

administer many of our current disease control programs. For example, we

work with industry and State representatives to control and eradicate

brucellosis, tuberculosis, and other livestock diseases. If we develop any

regulatory programs for aquatic animal species, what form should our

cooperation take?

    5. We currently regulate the interstate movement of livestock and

poultry and livestock and poultry products. These regulations are designed

to prevent diseases and pests of livestock and poultry from being spread

within the United States. Currently, we administer several voluntary

programs designed to help producers control and eliminate certain diseases

in their livestock. The goal of these programs is to eliminate sources of

infection, while helping producers improve their stock. For example, we

have a program covering scrapie in sheep and goats called the Voluntary

Scrapie Flock Certification Program. Should we consider adopting

regulations to prevent the interstate spread of diseases and pests of any

aquatic species? If we were to adopt regulations covering interstate

movement of any aquatic animal species, should we include voluntary

programs to help producers control and eliminate certain diseases? If so,

what species and diseases should be covered? What should we include in such

programs?

How Should We Conduct Rulemaking?

    Developing a new regulatory program can be very complicated. It is

important that we establish reasonable goals and adopt workable programs to

achieve them. We will need to collect reliable information on the costs and

benefits of any program. Public participation and input in the rulemaking

process is vital to success.

    In the rulemaking process, we can either draft proposed regulations

ourselves or use negotiated rulemaking to develop the proposals. In

negotiated rulemaking, an agency brings together the groups that are

interested in or would be affected by proposed regulations. Working

together, agency employees and representatives of interested and affected

groups negotiate the text of a draft proposed rule.

    Whether we draft a proposed rule ourselves, or use negotiated 

rulemaking, later steps in the rulemaking process would be the same. We

would publish any proposed rule in the Federal Register, including an

analysis of the costs and benefits, and invite the public to submit

comments. After reviewing all the comments we receive, we would decide upon

what further action to take.

    Therefore, we are asking for comments from interested persons 

regarding the desirability of using a negotiated rulemaking process 

should we decide to proceed with rulemaking affecting farm-raised fin fish

or other aquatic animals.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5542; 7 U.S.C. 147b; 21 U.S.C. 111-114a, 

114b-114c, 114h, 115, 117-130, 134, 134(a)-134(h), 135a, 136, and 

136a; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(d).

Done in Washington, DC, this 28 day of April 1999.

Craig A. Reed,

Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

[FR Doc. 99-11130 Filed 5-3-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

---

GARY L. JENSEN                    Federal Express or overnight mail:

USDA/CSREES/PAPPP                 The Aerospace Center

STOP 2220                         901 D Street, S.W.  

1400 Independence Ave.SW          8th Floor, Rm. 845

Washington,DC 20250-2220          Washington,DC 20024

Tel: 202/401-6802

Fax: 202/401-1602

Internet: gjensen@reeusda.gov

.------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------.

| Message 26                                                          |

'------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------'

Subject: Re: Germination of lettuce in hot weather

From:    "William Brown" 

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 11:46:21 -0000

In the cool months of winter we put the seedlings on top of our chest

freezer lid (with heating element installed to prevent condensation) and in

the summers of Hawaii I keep the lettuce seedlings out of the sun for two

days before putting them out under plastic.  They will be germinated but not

yet showing above ground.  We germinate 1000 lettuce each week. We have

tried almost all varieties of leaf lettuce and find they can be very

specific in their environmental needs so you need to experiment.  The two

reds I grow here in sub-tropical Hawaii are Cerize (red oak leaf) and

Revolution (red lolla rossa). Both get a very dark burgundy color for me,

handle well and taste very good.  Ibis is a red leaf that also gets very red

and grows well, but the seed is expensive (relatively), handles well.  Ruby

gets very red but doesn't like it here.  My favorite is a Burpee offering

named Dapple but I haven't seen any lately.  This has dark green shoulders,

intense red leaf, very delicious, grows fast and very big.  Handles well.

William Brown mahiwai@cmpmail.com

.------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------.

| Message 27                                                          |

'------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------'

Subject: Re: cabbage worms

From:    "Wendy Nagurny" 

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 22:34:01 -0400

If your cabbages are outside, just place bird perches a few feet above your

plants, spaced at regular intervals.  Many species of birds love cabbage

worms, but cannot find a platform from which to hunt.   This also works for

many other annoying worms and bugs.

Wendy

.------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------.

| Message 28                                                          |

'------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------'

Subject: Re: Hi....

From:    "William Brown" 

Date:    Wed, 5 May 1999 17:44:33 -0000

Cabbage worms from the cabbage butterly.  Try Bt from your friendly ag

store.

William Brown mahiwai@cmpmail.com

(aka lettuce@hilo.net)

----- Original Message -----

S&S Aqua Farm, 8386 County Road 8820, West Plains, MO 65775  417-256-5124

Web page  http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/



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