U.S. legislators in Congress have reintroduced legislation intended to ensure aquaculture producers are treated the same as livestock and crop farmers by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood (SEAS) Act would guarantee that aquaculture and seafood producers could access USDA grants and financial assistance while expanding federal crop insurance to cover aquaculture products.
“Aquaculture has enormous potential to strengthen our food system, reduce our seafood trade deficit, and expand access to safe, sustainable American seafood,” U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) said in a statement. “But for too long, USDA programs have overlooked coastal producers. The SEAS Act fixes that by putting seafood on equal footing with traditional agriculture and making smart investments to help this industry grow.”
The SEAS Act was previously introduced in 2023, but it was not brought up for a vote in either the House or Senate.
The legislation has now been reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Pallone and U.S. Representative Kat Cammack (R-Florida), while U.S. Senator Lisa Rochesters (D-Delaware) is expected to reintroduce a companion bill in the Senate.
“America’s national security is closely tied to our food security. As aquaculture continues to advance with new technologies and techniques, it offers the promise of more affordable, sustainable, and safe seafood for American families. Florida’s aquaculture industry generates over USD 165 million [EUR 142 million] in annual sales, ranking among the top states nationwide,” Cammack said.
The legislation is backed by both the New Jersey Aquaculture Innovation Center and the New Jersey Aquaculture Association.
“We have to work harder to shrink our seafood deficit and bolster our nation’s own production capabilities. The SEAS Act prioritizes aquaculture and lays out a framework for its future. We are eager to work with Congressman Pallone to strengthen the domestic production of shellfish,” New Jersey Aquaculture Association President Matt Gregg said in a statement.
