SATS Celebrates Aquaculture Week

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established Aquaculture Week to educate the public on how marine aquaculture is vital for supporting our nation’s seafood production, providing year-round jobs, rebuilding protected species and habitats, and enhancing coastal resilience.

What is Aquaculture?
Aquaculture is part of the new Blue Economy. It’s the raising of fish and other plant and marine life in all types of water environments. From salmon to seaweed, aquaculture is successfully and sustainably providing seafood that feeds the world. There are two main types of aquaculture: marine and freshwater. In the U.S., marine aquaculture produces numerous species, including oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, seaweeds, and fish such as salmon, black sea bass, sablefish, yellowtail, and pompano. Farming marine shellfish includes “seeding” small shellfish on the seafloor or growing them in bottom or floating cages. Marine fish farming is typically done in net pens in the water or in tanks on land. U.S. freshwater aquaculture produces species such as catfish and trout and primarily takes place in ponds or other manmade systems.

Why Now?

Healthy seafood production alternatives are more important than ever! Extreme weather and historic temperatures are threatening our nation’s fisheries and endangering our wild fish stocks. Sustainable seafood farming practices can complement wild harvesting and fishing. Together, both industries will supply our communities with an abundance of healthy and affordable protein options. Feeding the world population of the projected 9 billion people by 2030 will take a varied set of food production methods and aquaculture is a practical solution to meet the growing demand for food.

Aquaculture is Low Impact and Environmentally Sound
Scientific research continually demonstrates that offshore aquaculture has a low environmental impact in the surrounding waters when done carefully and managed responsibly. And, certain types of aquacultures, such as shellfish and seaweed production, can help clean the water and strengthen ocean ecosystems, providing an ecosystem-based solution to help counter the effects of climate change.

The continuing advancement of science and technology in the industry has revolutionized seafood production, making it efficient and sustainable.

Action that is Needed
Aquaculture has become the fastest-growing global food production sector and is embraced by dozens of nations worldwide. The global industry supplies over half of the seafood we consume. However, the United States lags far behind the rest of the world in seafood production. Federal policymakers must work together to help establish a clear, predictable federal policy framework for marine aquaculture, or a U.S. industry will remain hindered, and new opportunities for jobs and sustainable, local seafood will continue to go abroad. We have the resources and technology to be a world leader in sustainable aquaculture development in the U.S. With the support of Congress and the White House, we can expand aquaculture in our American communities to include more opportunities to grow our own seafood and create a vibrant and thriving industry.