Recently, offshore aquaculture (in federal waters) has gained significant support in Washington D.C. (See presidential executive order.) But this is arguably only the first step. Previous to the signing of the executive order, in March of this year, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Rep. Steve Palazzo (R-MS) reintroduced the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act, H.R. 6191, which can be viewed here. (Review a section by section summary of the legislation here.)
This bi-partisan legislation would authorize NOAA to clarify a regulatory process for permitting U.S. offshore aquaculture in federal waters. This updated version of H.R. 6191 also contains improvements that will further ensure environmental sustainability and elevate coordination among stakeholders, including wild capture fishers and the states. It also outlines new concepts including Aquaculture Enterprise Zones and establishes National Standards for Offshore Aquaculture, principles which will ultimately guide our nation as we seek to balance the benefits of seafood production with environmental and societal considerations.
The California Aquaculture Association (CAA) recommends supporting this legislation by signing on to this coalition letter.
To add your company/name/organization to the letter, please email Sarah Brenholt with Stronger America Through Seafood at sarah@hendersonstrategies.com. Please include your name, affiliation, city and state.
Deadline for signatures is Tuesday, June 16th at 2:00 PM PST.
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