Aquaculture as a Climate Solution Featured on the TODAY Show

As we celebrate Earth Day, there is no better time to discuss solutions to our most pressing climate related challenges, one of which is feeding a growing population sustainably. Alternative food production methods like aquaculture, or fish farming, should be considered by policymakers as one of our climate solutions.

During a special segment on the TODAY Show’s Climate Super Solutions this week, aquaculture was showcased as an innovative means to increase our supply of seafood while combatting climate change and addressing overfishing.

Host Al Roker visited two American aquafarms to share a closer look at how aquaculture is raising species of seafood and aquatic plants, particularly seaweed, sustainably. He discusses how the future of American aquaculture is bright. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified options of potential offshore sites based on the latest scientific and geospatial research, while carefully considering all environmental, economic and societal factors in communities. Watch the segment here.

Offshore aquaculture is one of the most resource efficient means of protein production, supplying half of the world’s seafood today. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that shows marine aquaculture is a valuable tool for the U.S. to meet its climate goals.

In a previous Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) commissioned report that was a comprehensive review of existing scientific literature on the climate impacts of farming finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, and seaweeds, the findings are supportive of an expanded industry. The report demonstrates that aquaculture is healthy for our planet and must be part of any credible conversation about meeting U.S. and global climate goals. Read the findings here.

While many states are currently operating farms and are great examples of how it can be done sustainably and efficiently, the opportunity for expanded offshore aquaculture into federal waters, which would increase production, is largely untapped. This is because there is a lack of a clear and efficient federal permitting process, which deters investments. Consequently, the U.S. ranks 17th in aquaculture production, importing up to 85% of the seafood we consume.

Federal legislation is needed to establish a policy framework that supports growth of American aquaculture production to create a thriving offshore industry.

By passing federal legislation to facilitate growth of an expanded aquaculture industry, Congress would position the U.S. as a world leader in sustainable seafood production, creating jobs throughout the U.S. seafood supply chain and providing American communities with an abundant supply of locally grown healthful and affordable seafood.