Hawaii firm wins EPA approval for aquaculture operation off Sarasota coast

Federal environmental authorities this month granted a permit for the operation of a long-discussed aquaculture operation offshore from Sarasota-area beaches.

The permit from the Environmental Protection Agency on May 15 gives Hawaii-based Ocean Era permission to launch its Velella Epsilon project in federal waters, about 40 miles off the Sarasota County coast. The permit allows the raising of about 20,000 red drum in a submerged pen, anchored to the seabed but suspended above it. Assuming an 85% survival rate, the EPA permit estimates about 45,000 pounds of fish will be produced in a year.

The permit allows operation between June 15 and July 7, 2027, though reapplication is permitted. Specific steps and requirements for the monitoring and sampling of surrounding waters are included in the permit language.