Senator Wicker on His New Aquaculture Bill to Build a Blue Economy

Last week, Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced bipartisan legislation alongside Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) that would support the development of an offshore aquaculture industry in the U.S. Senator Wicker discusses his bill, the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act (S. 3100), below.

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) interviewed Senator Wicker to learn why he believes now is the time for federal action to facilitate the growth of an offshore aquaculture industry here in the U.S.

 Learn more about the AQUAA Act.

What opportunities would the expansion of aquaculture provide for the U.S. economy and communities?

The expansion of aquaculture is a tremendous source of untapped potential for the U.S. economy. Aquaculture can help create good-paying jobs across the seafood industry, from production to grocery stores and restaurants. Since the mid-1980s, aquaculture has expanded dramatically worldwide, growing from just 3% of world fisheries production in 1950 to 47% of total production in 2011. Yet almost all this growth occurred in Asia, with U.S. participation in aquaculture remaining low. The United States should step up and share in the benefits of aquaculture production.

Why is the expansion of aquaculture important now more than ever?

Seafood is an important part of the U.S. food sector that requires more critical thought. Almost 90% of our seafood today is imported, with much of it being produced through aquaculture that is not held to the same health and safety standards as U.S. aquaculture. Producing a greater share of our seafood domestically would help guarantee that what we consume meets our own standards. Investing in aquaculture is a critical step to improving the quality of seafood Americans eat.

It is also important to note that American diets would benefit from the variety of nutrients found in seafood, including omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, selenium, and iodine. These components are all essential to supporting a strong immune system. Growing aquaculture could help put more seafood on American plates and lead to a healthier population.

Why is federal legislation needed to support the growth of an offshore aquaculture industry in the U.S.?

Federal legislation is needed to provide a clear roadmap for regulation, management, and investment in offshore aquaculture. Offshore aquaculture development is subject to a host of regulations and falls under the jurisdictions of multiple federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Complying with these regulations can impose prohibitive costs on many prospective aquaculture operators. 

One important way the federal government could help is by passing legislation that would make the siting and permitting process for aquaculture projects more efficient. Better regulations would lower barriers to entry and could also help develop best practices for offshore aquaculture, including funding more research and providing technical assistance from experts. Finally, a durable statutory framework is necessary to ensure stability so that aquaculture companies can access resources they need to be successful. 

As an advocate for aquaculture, can you discuss some of your efforts on this issue and how are you working to build support for federal action on Capitol Hill?

For several Congresses, I have been working on bipartisan legislation called the AQUAA Act, which would provide a comprehensive legislative framework for aquaculture in federal offshore waters. The main provisions of the AQUAA Act include siting, permitting, administration, monitoring, and enforcement necessary for a sustainable, science-based industry. The AQUAA framework would promote food security for the U.S. and provide economic opportunity for sustainable aquaculture and meaningful jobs.  Late last month, I reintroduced the AQUAA Act along with Senator Schatz and Senator Rubio. After working with many stakeholders to ensure the provisions of AQUAA are practical for federal agencies and optimal for aquaculture farmers, I am encouraged that we are getting closer to passage. I am committed to working with these stakeholders until we find a solution that works for everyone.

I also take every opportunity I can to support the growth and development of aquaculture both on the ground and in the water. My state of Mississippi has a variety of aquaculture industries and is the largest producer of farm-raised catfish in the United States. Mississippi is home to some amazing researchers working on innovations that are driving the success of aquaculture. This critical research is equipping farmers to overcome challenges facing aquaculture operations, including disease outbreaks and other environmental disasters. It is also leading to greater production of seafood through feed and genetics innovations. 

What does the future of aquaculture look like in your opinion?

I envision aquaculture as a critical component of our food supply chain, which will provide more Americans with nutritional and affordable seafood. Sustainable aquaculture is helping to grow a healthy, resilient seafood economy that can withstand and adapt to environmental changes – complementing our nation’s wild-caught fisheries and narrowing the seafood trade deficit. The last several decades of technological innovation have made aquaculture safer and more responsible, and we can be confident that expanding it would provide economic growth without sacrificing environmental integrity.