Current Status of MFF New York Offshore Permits –
We actively continue pursuit of our New York Federal Permits, refining species and participating in detailed analysis of our site selection. At present, Manna is on course to operate the first federally permitted off shore fish farm along the East Coast.
NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/Marine Spatial Ecology Division, has recently completed an Alternative Site Analysis for our New York site, looking closely at Manna’s proposed location eight (8) miles offshore. The thorough report will be uploaded to our website shortly. Utilizing the latest marine spatial planning tools and computer data sets and overlays, a close and careful analysis of the Manna Fish Farms’ New York proposed offshore site has been completed. The NOAA/NOS/NCCOS study shows that the Manna farm iste proposed is in the least impactful location, with negligible conflict. We are currently in the process of coordinating public outreach meetings to share the details of the analysis process and explain the comprehensive report.
Manna’s New York 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 as proof of concept, followed by three (3) – four (4) cages added annually thereafter until full build out. 100% Transparency of our environmental monitoring is committed, and plans are subject to adjustment down accordingly.
Our Proposed NY site is eight (8) miles South of the Shinnecock Inlet, Hampton Bays, New York. The seventy (70) acre site is in approximately 142 – 146 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 NY offshore permits, we will start with two (2) submerged cage as a proof of concept. We will add cages three(3) -four (4) per year/annual phases, 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 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 an anticipated first harvest December, 2021.