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 Stronger America Through Seafood

Securing a stronger America through increased U.S. production of healthful, sustainable, and affordable seafood.

 

More Sustainable Seafood from U.S. Waters

Open ocean aquaculture is one of the most environmentally sustainable ways to produce protein and is used widely around the world to complement wild harvest, yet it remains an untapped industry here in the U.S.

Due to the lack of a pathway for the farming of seafood in federal waters, the U.S. ranks only 18th in aquaculture production globally and imports up to 85% of its seafood – half of which is estimated to come from fish farms in other countries. 

There is growing bipartisan consensus in Congress—as well as among seafood industry leaders, environmental groups, chefs, and academics—on legislation to expand U.S. aquaculture.

 Explore our fact sheets and links to scientific research to learn more about how America would benefit from the expansion of aquaculture in our waters.

 

Learn about Aquaculture’s Benefits

 

“Tipping the Scales” Newsletter Highlights

Tipping the Scales Newsletter
New Bipartisan Bill Introduced in Congress to Advance Open Ocean Aquaculture
New Bipartisan Bill Introduced in Congress to Advance Open Ocean Aquaculture

On July 31, Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced the bipartisan Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025, a bill that would advance the development of commercial-scale open ocean aquaculture in U.S. federal waters—enabling the U.S. to responsibly grow more sustainable seafood domestically.

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House Hearing Demonstrates Bipartisan Interest in Growing U.S. Aquaculture
House Hearing Demonstrates Bipartisan Interest in Growing U.S. Aquaculture

Last week on Capitol Hill, Congress made clear there is bipartisan momentum for expanding U.S. aquaculture. The need for federal legislation to support expansion of U.S. aquaculture was also a key topic of conversation during a June 3 panel during Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) entitled, “Red, White and Blue Fisheries: Advancing U.S. Seafood Competitiveness.” There is growing bipartisan consensus in Congress—and strong support from seafood industry leaders, environmental groups, chefs, and academics—for legislation to expand U.S. aquaculture. The time for action is now. With the right federal policies in place, the U.S. will unlock the full potential of aquaculture and reclaim our position as a global leader in sustainable ocean food production.

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SATS Members Advocate for Open Ocean Aquaculture Growth
SATS Members Advocate for Open Ocean Aquaculture Growth

Two members of Stronger America Through Seafood — Neil Anthony Sims, founder and CEO of Ocean Era, and Dick Jones, CEO of Blue Ocean Mariculture—recently participated in a webinar hosted by the Soy Aquaculture Alliance on “Open Ocean Farming: Perspectives on Marine Aquaculture.” As fish farming business experts, the duo discussed how expanding aquaculture in U.S. federal waters would help meet rising seafood demand, support economic growth, and reduce pressure on wild fisheries.

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Why Does So Much American Seafood Take a Trip Around the World Before Reaching Our Plates?
Why Does So Much American Seafood Take a Trip Around the World Before Reaching Our Plates?

Every year, China imports nearly one-third of all U.S. seafood exports, processes the seafood, and then sends more than half of that seafood (57%) back to the U.S. for consumption, according to a NOAA report. Why do we send American seafood abroad just to bring it back home? The short answer is because we’ve lost the ability to process all of our seafood here at home.

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How Aquaculture Helps Florida (and Can Help Your State Too!)
How Aquaculture Helps Florida (and Can Help Your State Too!)

Up to 85% of the seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported, with 50% from farms. So, why not grow our own local food? Some states are leading the charge on aquaculture – and strengthening their economies and access to sustainable seafood. The Southern states have been leaders in American aquaculture production. According to the USDA’s most recent Census of Aquaculture, released in December, five states accounted for 55% of aquaculture sales and 49% of aquaculture farms in 2023—and four of the five were in the South: Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama.

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