Fish Farm Proposed Near Sarasota, Opinions Sought: Report​

SARASOTA, FL — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has extended its public comment period regarding the construction of a fish farm in federal waters off Sarasota, the Herald-Tribune reported.

The original deadline for comments was Nov. 4. This has been extended to Nov. 9 after the agency’s email stopped working, which means many submitted emails weren’t received.

If the project, Velella Epsilon, moves forward, the farm will raise 20,000 almaco jack, a species found in the Gulf of Mexico, reports said. The chain-link mesh farm will be anchored 45 miles southwest of Longboat Pass.

Those opposed to the farm are concerned about pollution created by fish waste and say diseases from the farm could spread to wild fish. Opponents also worry the farm could increase competition among fishing companies that fish in local waters, reports said.

Those interested in sharing their thoughts on the project, including those who previously submitted comments, can email OceanEra_VEAquaculture@usace.army.mil.