July 11, 2024
CONTACT:
Djenane Gourgue
Office of Representative Dotie Joseph
Representative Dotie Joseph Joins Legislators from Around the Country to Examine Sustainable Aquaculture and Supporting Small Seafood Businesses
MIAMI – House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Dotie Joseph (D-Miami) will join a delegation of 25 state legislators, Tribal leaders, fishermen, and international advocates in Seattle, Washington this weekend for a hands-on workshop on the principles and policies of sustainable aquaculture and working waterfronts. The meeting is hosted by State Innovation Exchange (SiX), a nonpartisan organization and strategy center that supports state legislators in advancing bold public policy solutions, and Don’t Cage Our Oceans (DCO2), a national coalition and nonprofit focused on preventing the expansion of industrial aquaculture and supporting local fishing communities.
“Florida is the only continental state largely surrounded by large bodies of water and has extensive shallow coral reef formations near its coasts. Florida’s ‘salt life’ culture and overall economy largely depends on the health of our ocean ecosystem,” said Representative Joseph. “I look forward to joining experts and other legislators from around the country to learn about best practices to support sustainable aquaculture, independent fisheries, and working waterfronts that benefit Florida’s economy without harming workers, small business owners, or the environment.”
“Local fishing economies are the lifeblood of coastal communities, providing not only a source of livelihood and sustenance, but also a connection to cultural heritage and sustainable practices,” stated Kendra Kimbirauskas, Senior Director of the SiX Agriculture and Food Systems program. “This workshop seeks to equip state legislators with essential knowledge and policy instruments to support sustainable practices in our ocean ecosystems and take on corporate power-grabs by global private equity firms determined to exploit our ocean resources.”
Andrianna Natsoulas, Campaign Director of Don’t Cage Our Oceans, said, “Around the country, action must be taken to preserve our fishing communities, protect our environment, and uplift regenerative aquaculture. Our coalition is grateful for the state policymakers’ interest in this issue and their commitment to working waterfronts and values-based seafood systems. Both community-based fishermen and aquaculture practitioners need support at the state level.”
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