Stronger America Through Seafood announced last week that a majority of voters support establishing a U.S. aquaculture industry to increase sustainable seafood production.
A survey by the organization found that two-thirds of voters would feel more favorable towards a member of Congress who established pathways for offshore aquaculture.
Among voters, 84 percent support establishing a clear, predictable pathway for U.S. aquaculture when learning many American companies build aquaculture operations abroad, and 86 percent believe it’s important to expand U.S. aquaculture when learning the U.S. imports most of its seafood.
In response, Sarah Brenholt of the organization says, “Now is the time for Congress to act and put in place federal policies that would establish an aquaculture industry in U.S. federal waters.”
Stronger America Through Seafood supports the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture Act. The bill would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to harmonize the permitting system for offshore aquaculture for farms in federal waters.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)