More than 50 Seafood Advocates Call for Aquaculture Support in Letter to House Natural Resources Committee Leaders
Seafood Advocates Urge Congressional Support for “Resilient U.S. Seafood Supply Chain” as Committee Considers 3 Offshore Aquaculture Bills
Washington, D.C. – July 8, 2024 – Industry coalition Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) today sent an letter signed by more than 50 leaders in the seafood industry to leaders of the House Natural Resources Committee in a demonstration of growing support for expanding aquaculture in U.S. federal waters to increase production of healthful, sustainable and affordable seafood in American communities. There are currently three offshore aquaculture related bills awaiting Committee action.
"SATS is proud to lead this industry letter of support as we advocate for expanding aquaculture in U.S. federal waters,” said Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of SATS. “With nearly 80% of the seafood consumed in the U.S. being imported—up to half of it farmed raised overseas—and climate change impacting wild capture fisheries, enhancing our domestic seafood production through aquaculture, in complement with our wild fisheries, is not just a smart choice but a necessity. A robust American offshore aquaculture industry is essential to bolster our sustainable seafood supply and secure our nation’s food security, and we encourage the Committee to take action to advance legislation that would facilitate growth of the industry.”
The letter, which can be viewed here, was addressed to Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-OR), and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and explained the unique potential that offshore aquaculture, one of the fastest-growing sustainable forms of food production in the world, has to improve American food security and nutrition, enhance coastal resilience, create quality jobs, help restore species and habitats, and ensure that seafood (both wild-caught and farmed) continues to be an important part of the global food supply.
The letter also offers industry support as the Committee considers three offshore aquaculture related bills: H.R. 4013, the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act, H.R. 5944, the Science-based Equitable Aquaculture Food (SEAfood) Act, and H.R. 1461, the Coastal Seaweed Farm Act.
The letter of support received over 50 signatures. It was signed by representatives across the seafood industry, as well as environmental organizations, chefs and academia.
###
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.