Averting Disaster - An opinion

Submitted by Faith Ross

January 26, 2015 1:00 a.m.

On Thursday afternoon, January 22 at 3:30 pm the Planning Advisory Board met with various members of the public concerning the use and storage of certain hazardous materials. However, in my opinion, the meeting should have been about the industrial vision for Amelia Island. A vision does not just include a pretty picture, but how do we see our island and Nassau County sustaining itself economically?

What should the public be asking our Economic Development staff? Is “energy” the only industry that can be offered to Nassau County? With automation in the energy business, very few jobs are created. So do the few jobs outweigh the risks? What are the other possible industries that would work well with our tourism?

How do we begin to look for other industries? Generally, the resources of an area dictate its industries. Similar to Nassau County’s water resources, Wakulla County, Florida has decided that aquaculture is its future match. With South Australia as a model, it is presently taking steps to pursue Australia’s $948 million aquaculture business. With a world population of 9 billion by 2050, international food organizations agree that we must produce 70% more food by 2050 to feed an estimated extra 2.3 billion people. There is a market.

With an eye to the future, the Australians have taken aquaculture to a science that guarantees reliable, cost efficient results. From growing oysters for food or pearl production, to tuna for sushi, they have also found that the Asian markets will pay for prized fish. The aquaculture industry is so highly regarded in Australia that aquaculture workers are given preferential treatment to immigrate to Australia. They are highly sought after employees in the land of the Down Under.

With a long history of seafaring, seafood, and abundant water resources, it would seem to be a natural transition for Nassau County. The Port Authority could initially utilize a few of its warehouses to house aquaculture projects along with still making its shipments to the Caribbean. It could also continue shipping paper. The Port’s access to funding could train aquaculture workers and further move projects to industrial parks or ponds. With Florida’s new legislation already in place, saltwater projects could be leased. The already proven industry of column or long line oyster production could be implemented. Producing pearl oysters would be an additional tourist attraction if resources allowed. Like Australia, we could also produce the high end edible fish for fine dining that brings cash to its coffers. Why can’t we do any of these things?

Rather than talk about future investment in facilities that produce harmful chemicals, we need to start talking about what we can bring to Nassau County that enhances our way of life and produces real jobs. How about getting another $100,000 grant in prize money for the best ideas in new industry and job creation for Nassau County? Listing our resources and criteria, offer the contest nationwide and advertize it. With new ideas and incentives, my guess is that a new Master Plan for the Port of Fernandina/Nassau County would happily write itself with everyone’s approval.

Do we really need to talk about how we are going to keep industry from destroying us? Or can we put a real effort into finding a way to keep us all working without killing or maiming anyone?

Editor's Note: As an educator and reading specialist, Faith Ross has taught in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. She and her husband Chip purchased their home in Fernandina 6 years ago and are now residents. Faith enjoys reading, walks on the beach, and dining at the many downtown restaurants that are within walking distance from her home. She also enjoy telling her frequent visitors and friends from out of town that Fernandina is an amazing place to live!