National Seafood Month: Building a Stronger, More Sustainable U.S. Seafood Future with Aquaculture

National Seafood Month is a timely reminder of seafood’s vital role in supporting American jobs and economic growth, while providing healthy, nutritious, and sustainable protein options for families in communities nationwide.

Seafood is one of the healthiest proteins available, packed with unique, essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a critical component of a balanced diet. According to World Wildlife Fund, more than three billion people globally rely on seafood as their primary source of protein today. With the global population expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050 and climate change threatening wild fish stocks, the demand for more sustainable seafood options is only increasing. Open ocean aquaculture is a climate-friendly solution to meet this demand.

Modern fish farming, which utilizes the latest science and technology to grow seafood sustainably in open ocean waters, is one of the most innovative and environmentally responsible food production methods available today. In complement with our nation’s wild-capture fisheries, fishermen and fish farmers would work together to increase our supply of American-raised seafood – helping to grow the economy and create new jobs across the seafood supply chain, while alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks and protecting ocean resources.

A steady, locally sourced seafood supply will also help reduce America’s $17 billion seafood trade deficit and strengthen our nation’s seafood supply chain, ensuring resilience in the face of disruptions, such as strikes, pandemics and other unforeseen challenges.

Currently, the U.S. imports about 85% of its seafood, with nearly half coming from fish farms overseas, resulting in the U.S. ranking 18th in global aquaculture production. Expanding open ocean aquaculture into U.S. federal waters would position the U.S. to once again be a world leader in seafood production – and to reap the benefits that a thriving fish farming industry would provide American communities.

As National Seafood Month comes to an end, Congress has the opportunity to continue to recognize the value of seafood and prioritize the future of America’s seafood industry by supporting the growth of aquaculture in federal waters. By establishing a path forward to expand open ocean aquaculture in America, Congress will help to grow our economy, create thousands of well-paying jobs, and secure a sustainable seafood supply for generations to come.