Rep. Kat Cammack on Aquaculture’s Benefits for States

Aquaculture Week, which starts today, was established by NOAA to raise awareness of aquaculture's vital role in supporting our nation’s seafood production, creating year-round jobs, rebuilding protected species and habitats, and enhancing coastal resilience.

In honor of Aquaculture Week, Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) interviewed Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), a cosponsor of the bipartisan Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture Act (AQUAA) Act, to learn why she supports federal legislation to produce more sustainable American seafood and benefit state economies. The AQUAA Act will establish a clear, predictable permitting process for offshore fish farms to encourage more business investments in the U.S. and help grow the industry. Today, due to inefficient federal permitting processes, the U.S. ranks only 16th in aquaculture production and imports up to 80% of its seafood – mainly from Asia and Europe. Only 5% to 7% of seafood consumed is raised in America.

What opportunities would the expansion of aquaculture provide for the economy and communities in America?

It’s clear that aquaculture plays a very important role in the U.S. now and will continue to do so as it grows. Breeding, raising, and harvesting shellfish, fish, and aquatic plants here at home is environmentally responsible and produces critical components for our food supply at a time when food security remains a primary concern in communities across the U.S. Its expansion into new areas provides fresh, healthy food that’s safe for consumption and produced responsibly to feed more people here at home. 

Can you share more about the opportunities that have resulted from Florida’s growing aquaculture industry?

In Florida, we’ve been fortunate to experience the exponential growth of the aquaculture industry. Aquaculture operations dot the Florida peninsula, with over 1,000 certified farms statewide. In 2018, Florida aquaculture products totaled $71.6 million and has only grown over the last four years as more operations opened. Florida ranks first in the nation for ornamental fish production, leading the way with freshwater and marine fish, coral, live rock, and aquarium plants.

As an advocate for federal action on aquaculture, why is federal legislation needed to support the growth of a domestic offshore aquaculture industry in states across the country?

I always tell folks that food security is national security, and this could not be truer than with the growth of aquaculture. Domestic offshore industries grow our food supply, support sustainability efforts, and create stronger domestic supply chains that are fully operational in the United States. Not to mention, aquaculture provides a sustainable source of protein for Americans with a variety of dietary needs. As our country grows, the ability to reliably produce shellfish, plants, and food fish is critical, and I believe there’s a role for the Department of Agriculture to play in growing this industry.

How do you envision the future of aquaculture in America?

I’d love for more states to take advantage of their offshore real estate to produce these commodities responsibly. They’re an economic boon for the local and state economies and can safely provide for the seafood demand in the U.S. while supporting conservation and jobs.

Is there any information that you can share about your goal to establish a Congressional Aquaculture Caucus?

I’m looking forward to announcing more plans on an official Congressional Aquaculture Caucus soon! Our goals include exploring opportunities to develop a national aquaculture infrastructure; help producers and industry leaders navigate and overcome regulatory hurdles; work in a bipartisan manner to educate and advocate for U.S. aquaculture at the global level, and work to make U.S. aquaculture more competitive to push the market and its innovations forward.