US sustainable aquaculture coalition adds new members

A group of chefs, NGOs and business leaders focused on promoting the sustainable and equitable growth of offshore aquaculture in the United States has recruited a new tranche of members.

The Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA), founded in 2022, said three organisations focused on sustainability, a commercial fisherman, and five graduate students poised to become future leaders in the industry had joined.

The addition of the new members, announced during the Aquaculture America 2024 conference in San Antonio, Texas this week, supports the CSA’s mission to take a stakeholder-led approach to sustainably and equitably launching offshore aquaculture in the US.

A cornerstone

“Done right, offshore aquaculture will be a cornerstone of a healthy, sustainable US seafood economy,” said Captain Scott Hickman, a Texas-based commercial fisherman and charter boat captain and one of the new members of CSA. “It can complement wild-caught fishing and help meet the demand for locally sourced seafood.”

Aquaculture can contribute to restorative and regenerative initiatives in the US

Angelo San Pablo

In addition to Hickman, new members include Food + Planet, a nonprofit company promoting sustainable food systems; RETI Centre, an education organisation focused on community-based climate solutions; Sea Pact, a group of North American seafood companies committed to stewardship; and five students.

“US waters have great potential in providing a sustainable, nutritious supply of seafood through aquaculture,” said Angelo San Pablo, a graduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz working with a global aquaculture feed manufacturer to improve and expand its carbon reporting systems.

“In addition to improving the accessibility of seafood, aquaculture can also contribute to restorative and regenerative initiatives in the US - strategies that are essential and can provide breakthroughs in the face of climate change.”

Cultural foodways

Dr Chris Vogliano, co-founder and director of global research at Food + Planet, said: “Our support for the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture stems from our commitment to fostering truly sustainable food systems that nourish both people and the planet and represent the diverse cultural foodways in the US.

“By championing domestically produced sustainable aquaculture, we pave the way for a future where the bounty of our oceans not only sustains human life, but contributes to the wellbeing and regeneration of our aquatic ecosystems for generations to come.”