New Aquaculture Office to Boost US Seafood Production and Sustainability.
This law establishes the Office of Aquaculture within the Department of Agriculture to enhance U.S. food security by promoting sustainable cultivation of shellfish, algae, and land-based systems. The Office will provide technical assistance, best practices, and risk mitigation programs (like insurance) to farmers and businesses. This aims to increase the availability of local, environmentally friendly seafood while supporting coastal economies.
Key points
Creation of the Office of Aquaculture within the USDA to focus on developing domestic seafood and algae production.
Provision of technical assistance, scientific best practices, and access to existing risk mitigation programs (insurance) for aquaculture producers.
Establishment of an Advisory Committee including farmers, experts, and representatives of Indigenous communities to guide sustainable policy development.
Authorization of $25 million annually from 2024 through 2028 to fund the Office's operations.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2211
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Process start date: 2023-06-22