Thursday, Feb. 22, 3.04 pm CST

Kampachi's offshore dreams

Although US federal agencies approved aquaculture in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico more than two years ago, no applications have been filed so far.

However, one project is close to becoming the first.

Velella Epsilon is working to deploy offshore cabo kampachi operations in a small-scale demonstration in the gulf.

"The goal is to help show environmental groups and gulf fisheries that offshore awuaculture can be a net positive," said Neil Anthony Sims, co-founder and CEO of Kampachi Farms, adding an offshore model can help dispel misinformation and misconceptions.

Sims said he's moving forward with the permits for Velella Epsilon and he's received strong support from federal agencies, such as NOAA, the EPA, and the Army Corps of Engineers.