Opportunities for the U.S. through Expansion of Aquaculture

By Sean O'Scannlain, President and CEO, Fortune International

As one of the largest seafood and specialty food distributors in the Midwest and the country, Fortune recognizes our responsibility as a leader within the industry. We set high sustainability standards aimed at healthier oceans and, in turn, healthier people. That is why we support an increased supply of sustainable seafood worldwide, and are fully committed to sourcing and selling environmentally and socially-responsible seafood that addresses local, regional, and global sustainability concerns.

That is also the reason that Fortune supports smart lawmaking to enable a successful aquaculture industry in the U.S. Recently introduced federal legislation, which has bipartisan support in Congress, would authorize a judicious permitting process, environmental protections and oversight for aquaculture to thrive in the U.S. With passage of this legislation, American companies would be incentivized to invest their seafood farming operations here in the U.S., not overseas. Currently, many American companies are forced to establish their businesses overseas because of the lack of a clear permitting process. A new law would change that.

Passage of legislation would also provide a clear path to more jobs that the industry, during a pandemic, urgently needs. Economic opportunities would not just be available for the working waterfronts and coastal communities, but for agriculture states and seafood distributors in the Midwest. From manufacturing and production, to technologists and engineers, to retail and marketing, there would be a diverse set of jobs available to those who seek to work in a growing industry of American aquaculture.

Aquaculture would complement wild fishing to increase our supply of healthful and affordable seafood with minimal environmental impact, helping to protect and preserve our natural resources while we are faced with challenges stemming from a changing climate.

Now is the time for Congress to act to ensure Americans can enjoy a domestic aquaculture industry. The U.S. already has the potential to be a world leader on aquaculture. Through utilizing science-based practices, including techniques, like proper siting, management, monitoring, and the use of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, the aquaculture industry can produce farm-raised seafood efficiently and through an environmentally sound approach.