Senators renew bid for US aquaculture act
A new effort is being made by United States politicians to pass a law making it easier to get permission for offshore aquaculture.
Republican senators Roger Wicker and Marco Rubio and Democrat Brian Schatz have re-introduced the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act to the Senate.
“The expansion of American aquaculture is an opportunity for federal lawmakers to address some of the most critical challenges we face, including climate, economic, and food security,” said Sarah Brenholt, campaign manager of Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), which lobbies for more aquaculture opportunities in the US.
“Establishing an offshore aquaculture industry would spur economic growth and create new jobs at a time when we need it most.”
National standards
The bipartisan AQUAA Act would establish national standards for offshore aquaculture and clarify a regulatory system for the farming of fish in the US exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The bill would also establish a research and technology grant program to fund innovative research and extension services focused on improving and advancing sustainable domestic aquaculture.
The bill’s supporters say an offshore aquaculture industry would also create opportunities in other industries, such as agriculture, by providing a new market for US farmers of crops such as soybeans, corn and peas, which can be used to create fish feed.
“Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector, but the US lacks a comprehensive, nationwide system for permitting in federal waters,” said Wicker, from Mississippi. “This deficiency prevents the development of aquaculture farms, leading to more seafood imports.”
Food security
Schatz, from Hawaii, said Hawaii’s diverse aquaculture produced over $80 million of finfish, shellfish, and algae in 2019. At the same time, the movement to restore native Hawaiian fishponds continues to develop momentum. “This bipartisan bill would increase federal support for both,” said Schatz. “I thank Senators Wicker and Rubio for their partnership and look forward to working with them to pass this ground-breaking legislation.”
Rubio, from Florida, said: “Marine aquaculture presents an enormous opportunity for Florida’s economy and for the food security of our nation.
“Unfortunately, the absence of a federal permitting and regulatory framework has hindered American aquaculture industries. This bipartisan legislation would establish a transparent permitting process and provide regulatory certainty for this important industry to promote new domestic seafood supply chains.”
To become law, a bill must be approved by Congress, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both senators and representatives must approve the bill.
An AQUAA Act was introduced to the 116th Congress, which ran from January 2019 to January 2021, but “died” because it wasn’t enacted before the end of the Congress term. It has now been reintroduced in the 117th Congress.
