March 28, 2023

Industry coalition welcomes US government agency's commitment to increase US aquaculture production

US industry coalition Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) submitted a letter of support to the NOAA Fisheries in support of the US agency's Draft National Seafood Strategy during the current public comment period.

The National Seafood Strategy outlines the agency's plans for supporting a thriving domestic US seafood economy, including through increased sustainable US aquaculture, to enhance the resilience of the seafood sector in the face of climate change and other challenges.

"SATS applauds NOAA's commitment to increase US aquaculture production as part of a wider strategy to support the US seafood industry as it faces pressing challenges," said Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of SATS. "The growth of domestic aquaculture is an important part of a holistic approach to diversify our food strategy. We support the agency's strategy on developing an efficient, predictable, timely and science-based regulatory framework for offshore aquaculture, which the US currently lacks, to establish a thriving industry that can compete globally."

Until there is a regulatory pathway in place for offshore aquaculture, the US aquaculture industry will continue to be hindered, according to SATS.

The organisation advocates for US federal legislation to establish a clear permitting process for US marine aquaculture. The Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act would provide regulatory certainty for US marine farmers to encourage investment here in the United States and help increase the country's supply of locally produced seafood that is healthy, affordable and sustainable.

- SATS