Blog

California Aquaculture Association (CAA) members are well represented with regard to legislative and policy making issues, both statewide and nationally, via our legislative advocacy and government relations professionals.

Below is a brief list of recent government affairs issues and topics in which CAA has been involved. As a CAA member, if you have any questions, concerns, or input pertaining to these or any other issues, please contact us.

• Monitor meetings of the California Fish and Game commission on agenda items relating to aquaculture.  Engage in regular discussions with CDFW Aquaculture Coordinator.
• Monitor workers comp rating Board review of Food Packaging and Processing.
• Monitor progress of permitting processes for Nordic Aquafarms.  Convey support for their RAS project in Eureka to state official and others.
• Discussed AB 330 with staff of author Assemblyman Robert Rivas, and reasons why he would not attempt to move his bill this year. Discuss industry needs and challenges.
• Lent support for Ocean Rainforest project to state regulatory officials, monitored their public meeting with interested parties.
• Engaged NOAA processes relating to their Aquaculture Atlas, Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, and Southern California Bight Atlas.
• Conveyed details relating to CARES 2 application to shellfish farmers/ marine aquaculture industry.
• Reviewed all bills introduced in the new 2022 California legislative session. Reviewed all bills amended too.
• Reviewed Governor’s proposal to place $50 million in his 22-23 state budget that would be made available for projects that protect or restore healthy ocean ecosystems including kelp and to build climate ready Fisheries.
• Participated in meetings with CDFW and FGC regarding non-native bullfrogs and Turtles because they received a petition to ban sale, possession, importation due to negative impact to native species. Bad precedent for species raised/sold by California aquaculture species.
• Monitor California Ocean Protective Council Microplastics Strategy and how this might affect aquaculture/mariculture.
• Review notices from California EPA and their office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) regarding Prop 65 warnings on aquaculture products.