Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) Hosts Fly-In to Advocate for Legislation to Support the Expansion of U.S. Offshore Aquaculture
Seafood Advocates to Demonstrate Sustainability & Economic Value of Today’s Aquaculture
Washington, D.C. – May 15, 2024 – Industry coalition Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) is hosting a two-day legislative fly-in beginning today, May 15. Seafood industry representatives from Minnesota to New Hampshire will meet with congressional offices in the U.S. House and Senate to educate on the benefits that a fish farming industry in federal waters would provide to American communities.
"The expansion of American fish farming in U.S. waters would provide economic opportunities in congressional districts across the country, including in both coastal and rural states,” said Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of SATS. “From the creation of jobs across the seafood supply chain, to complementing our nation’s wild fisheries and increasing our ability to feed more people healthy and affordable seafood, supporting growth of sustainable aquaculture in the U.S. should be a priority for all Members of Congress. We look forward to demonstrating to lawmakers the direct benefits that an expanded aquaculture industry would provide the country.”
As demand for sustainable protein rises, aquaculture, which is one of the most sustainable forms of protein production today, has become the fastest growing food production sector globally – producing half of the seafood consumed globally. But inefficient federal permitting processes and a lack of regulatory certainty in the U.S. has hindered growth of America’s aquaculture industry. As a result, the U.S. ranks only 17th in aquaculture production with the U.S. aquaculture market valued at $1.5 billion – only 0.6% of the $263 billion global aquaculture market. The U.S. imports up to 80% of its seafood – mainly from Asia and Europe.
While several American states benefit from aquaculture production in state waters, the U.S. will continue to miss out on major economic opportunities until legislation is passed to support offshore aquaculture in federal waters. Federal legislation to establish a clear regulatory process for offshore aquaculture would provide the certainty needed to encourage investments in American fish farms and position the U.S. as a world leader in seafood production.
The Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act (H.R.4013/S.1861), which has bipartisan support in Congress, would establish National Standards for offshore aquaculture, clarifying a regulatory system for the farming of fish in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Growth of an American aquaculture industry would also boost economic growth for other sectors in the seafood supply chain, including American famers of crops that can be used in fish feed, such as soybeans, corn, and peas, as well as technology companies that provide solutions to support sustainable farming.
Industry representatives participating in the fly-in include Cargill, Innovasea, JBS Foods, USA, Merck Animal Health and Zeigler Bros.
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About Stronger America Through Seafood
Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) advocates for federal policies and regulations that help secure a stronger America through increased U.S. production of healthful, sustainable, and affordable seafood. Learn more at www.strongerthroughseafood.org.