NOAA Dedicates 5-Year Plan to Support Growth of Aquaculture to Increase Jobs, Seafood Supply and Healthy Ecosystems
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published its 5-Year Strategic Plan for Aquaculture, a first-time agency guide, demonstrating its support of the growth of U.S. aquaculture through a scientific and community-driven approach.
In the plan, NOAA articulates its vision and goals for establishing a robust sustainable aquaculture industry in the U.S. that creates jobs, increases our supply of domestic seafood, and supports healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems.
David O’Brien, Acting Director of the Office of Aquaculture, stated, “Sustainable aquaculture encompasses the ‘triple bottom line’ of economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. As the demand for seafood continues to increase, and climate change continues to pose a threat to food security, NOAA will continue supporting efforts to grow seafood on land, in coastal waters, and the open ocean in harmony with a healthy and resilient environment.”
“Our aquaculture team strives to advance sustainable aquaculture development in the United States through science, service, and stewardship. We will seek to provide ongoing opportunities for public input to ensure results that are community-driven,” O’Brien concluded.
There are four goals outlined in the plan:
Manage Sustainably and Efficiently: Improve the regulatory processes for sustainable coastal and marine aquaculture through collaboration with partners.
Lead Science for Sustainability: Use world-class science expertise to meet management and industry needs for a thriving seafood production sector and share this knowledge broadly.
Educate and Exchange Information: Build awareness and support for coastal, marine, and Great Lakes aquaculture through two-way communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.
Support Economic Growth and Viability: Facilitate a robust aquaculture industry that thrives as a key component of a resilient seafood sector.
The Strategic Plan was developed by the NOAA Aquaculture Program with input from the public. The three offices within the NOAA Aquaculture Program include NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research’s National Sea Grant Program, and the National Ocean Service’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. To learn more, click here.