Current Status of MFF Gulf offshore permits –
Manna Fish Farms actively continues pursuit of our Gulf Federal permits, refining species and participating in a detailed analysis of our site selection. At present, Manna is on course to operate the first federally permitted off shore fish farm in the Gulf of Mexico with a preferred site twenty-three (23) miles south of Pensacola, Florida
NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/Marine Spatial has recently completed an Alternative Site Analysis for our Gulf site, looking closely at Manna’s proposed locations in the area. The thorough report will be uploaded to our website shortly. Utilizing the latest tools and computer data sets and overlays, a close and careful analysis of the Manna Fish Farms’ Gulf proposed offshore site is currently under in progress. We are working to site our farm in the least impactful location, with negligible conflict. We are currently in the process of coordinating public outreach meetings to share and explain the report.
Manna’s Gulf Offshore plans entail five (5) phases of development – with a total of eighteen (18) submersible cages to be installed by the end of phase V, during a five (5) year build out, with full deployments estimated by 2025. Phase I will study two (2) submerged cages followed by three (3) – four (4) cages in the following year, until full build out is reached. 100% Transparency of our environmental monitoring is committed, and plans are subject to adjustment down accordingly.
Our Proposed site is twenty-three (23) miles South of the Pensacola, Florida. One hundred twenty (120) acre site is in approximately 150 feet of water within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. Manna is currently involved in stakeholder engagement and outreach, along with operational planning, including development of our land based facilities. Upon receipt of our offshore permits, we will start with two (2) submerged cages. We will add cages three-four per year/annual, maintaining 100% transparency throughout. Our transparency will share and ensure that we have no negative impact upon the water quality, native wild stock, and benthic environment.
We are working with the applicable Federal and State agencies to outline the acceptable parameters of our environmental study (NEPA analysis, Environmental Impact Statement), and once the outline is complete, then we will proceed with the study. After the NEPA Analysis is complete, then we will go forward with public hearings, followed by baseline benthic analysis and baseline water study. We are currently planning for this by the end of 2019, which will enable us to commence our offshore operations in January 2020, provided permits issue by December 2019. In that case, we will expect for our first Florida harvest in December 2020, understanding that permits must issue by December 2019, in order to meet this harvest date projection. In the event that we are delayed in receiving our permits, then we will shift our plan to anticipated first harvest in December 2021.
