Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Forgive me if I am a bit suspicious of anything even suggesting government "certification". NOAA took part in a hearing on Sept. 24th, 2013 to present the state of commercial fishing and mentioned how well certain species were recovering from offshore harvesting. But the devil is always in the details. They would like to initiate a future "reward" program for fisheries which maintain a sustainable harvest.

On the surface this looks innocent enough. If you'd like to read the press release yourself, please follow link:

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/stories/2013/0 ... rauch.html

I have memories of how organic farms had to jump through hoops just to get permission for organic labeling. After paying a large fee for the inspection of the farm, the farmer had to undergo tests to find any pesticide or herbicide residue. If the farmer had purchased hay from a neighbor, it had to be tested. If a neighbor next door should hire a crop-duster to treat his fields and the spray drifted across to the organic farmer's property, he/she could not be certified.

You are all aware that even inland fisheries have to deal with high levels of heavy metals in fresh water. Where this will eventually lead is anybody's guess. I suppose any certification will be simpler with enclosed aquaponics.

What do you think?