Industry Coalition Commends NOAA Plan to Expand Sustainable U.S. Aquaculture Production
SATS Applauds NOAA Fisheries’ National Seafood Strategy Implementation Plan to Strengthen U.S.
Washington, D.C. – October 4, 2024 – Industry coalition Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) today expressed its strong support for the National Seafood Strategy Implementation Plan released by NOAA Fisheries. The plan highlights the importance of increasing sustainable U.S. aquaculture production as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the U.S. seafood industry. SATS previously submitted a formal letter of support during the public comment period on NOAA’s National Seafood Strategy, advocating for many of the aquaculture objectives incorporated into the final plan.
“SATS commends NOAA Fisheries for prioritizing sustainable aquaculture production as a key component of its National Seafood Strategy,” said Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of SATS. “This plan outlines critical steps that the agency is taking to support growth of an American aquaculture sector, which includes a focus on developing an efficient, predictable, timely and science-based regulatory framework for offshore fish farming in U.S. federal waters. Until a clear and efficient regulatory permitting process is put in place, the U.S. will continue to miss out on the significant economic, environmental and food security benefits that offshore aquaculture would provide.”
Key goals outlined in NOAA’s National Seafood Strategy Implementation Plan include:
- Accelerating progress on implementing an efficient, predictable, timely, and science-based regulatory framework for marine aquaculture by providing continued expertise and coordination for the permitting of prospective aquaculture operations, and leading the identification of Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs), or areas that are deemed ideal for fish farms based on relevant environmental, economic and national security factors.
- Continuing to invest in aquaculture science: This includes by conducting aquaculture studies to provide science-based advice and tools to minimize potential negative effects of marine aquaculture operations on the environment and to support sustainable industry development.
SATS continues to advocate for the need to establish a clear permitting process for offshore fish farming in U.S. federal waters. Due to inefficient federal permitting processes in the U.S. today, our nation ranks only 18th in aquaculture production globally and imports up to 85% of its seafood – half of which is estimated to come from farms in other countries.
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About Stronger America Through Seafood
Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) advocates for federal policies and regulations that help secure a stronger America through increased U.S. production of healthful, sustainable, and affordable seafood. Learn more at www.strongerthroughseafood.org.