Stronger America Through Seafood

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) has launched a new campaign calling on Congress to support a pathway for open ocean aquaculture in U.S. waters. Fish farming in the open ocean is hindered in America today due to the lack of federal legislation to support industry growth – costing our nation an estimated $877 million and thousands of jobs. SATS’s month-long campaign will highlight all the U.S. is missing out on in economic and environmental benefits without a thriving aquaculture industry.

National Seafood Month is a timely reminder of seafood’s vital role in supporting American jobs and economic growth, while providing healthy, nutritious, and sustainable protein options for families in communities nationwide. Congress has the opportunity to continue to recognize the value of seafood and prioritize the future of America’s seafood industry by supporting the growth of aquaculture in federal waters. By establishing a path forward to expand open ocean aquaculture in America, the U.S. can grow our economy, create thousands of well-paying jobs, and secure a sustainable seafood supply for generations to come.

As more Americans recognize the importance of sustainable food production to combat climate change and address our nation’s food security challenges, a local Long Island-based business, Manna Fish Farms, is helping to pave the way for a sustainable seafood future in the U.S. Founded by Donna Lanzetta, Manna Fish Farms is leading efforts to establish offshore farms in federal waters off the coasts of Long Island and Florida. In addition to other Manna seafood businesses, Donna is working with local universities and non-profits in these states, as well as in California, to develop Aquaculture Innovation Centers. With a strong commitment to sustainability and transparency, and planned farm operations based on the latest science, research, and technology, Manna Fish Farms seeks to raise finfish, shellfish, and seaweed in local waters for American families to enjoy.

Virginia boasts a thriving seafood industry—and presents a clear opportunity for even greater growth through the continued expansion of aquaculture. A 2022 Virginia Tech study found that Virginia's aquaculture industry boosts the state's economy by providing jobs and supporting related businesses. A steady supply of seafood—both wild and farmed—coming into waterfront communities and ports helps create jobs across the seafood supply chain. There is clear potential for greater economic opportunities through the continued expansion of fish farming. This opportunity highlights the need for federal legislation to support offshore aquaculture in U.S. federal waters.

This month, Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) interviewed Michael Rust, Ph.D., a Senior Research Fellow at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, working on research projects that advance understanding, governance, and development of sustainable aquaculture in the context of climate change and seafood demand. As we celebrate National Ocean Month and reflect on the valuable resources provided to us by our ocean waters, it is a timely reminder of the potential that offshore aquaculture would provide to American communities as we seek ways to raise more nutritious and climate-friendly seafood here in America, while working in complement with our wild capture fisheries.