In a letter to members of Congress, a coalition of more than 100 organizations announced their united opposition to industrial ocean fish farming in U.S. waters.

The coalition represents a wide range of interests, including commercial and recreational fishing, indigenous populations, consumer advocacy, food, farming and conservation.

“Industrial marine finfish farming poses serious risks to our oceans, coastal communities and public health,” the letter states. “We write today on behalf of our organizations and our millions of members and activists to urge [Congress] to protect our oceans and oppose any legislation to develop marine finfish aquaculture in the United States.”

Marianne Cufone, Executive Director of the Recirculating Farms Coalition, said, “Open ocean aquaculture is an outdated and unnecessary method for raising fish. We should be proactively using modern technology to produce sustainable seafood in the U.S. that does not harm fishing communities or our environment. There is no need to develop industrial aquaculture facilities in our oceans.”

The Recirculating Farms Coalition formed in 2009 to promote on land, contained fish farming methods as a means to increase domestic seafood production without the risks to fishing communities and ocean ecosystems.

The various groups will be in Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill Oceans Week to raise awareness about their concerns.