Permitting challenges are one of the reasons most frequently cited as a barrier to the expansion of aquaculture in the United States. This presentation, the first part of a two part series, will explore strategies for efficient and successful navigation of aquaculture permitting, including strategies to minimize project opposition and obtain positive results from local, state, and federal regulators.

About the Speaker

Robert Smith is a partner at K&L Gates, a global law firm with over 20 offices throughout the United States. Robert is a member of the firm’s environment, land and natural resources practice group. His practice focuses on land use, governmental and regulatory permitting, shoreline development, and aquaculture. He has assisted dozens of aquaculture companies in obtaining local, state, and federal permits and licenses; lobbied on behalf of the aquaculture industry for legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives; and defended aquaculture companies in litigation and enforcement actions brought by private parties and regulatory agencies. He currently splits his time between Seattle, Washington and California and spends his free time in the mountains hiking, camping, and skiing.