STRONGER AMERICA THROUGH SEAFOOD: INCREASING U.S. AQUACULTURE WILL STRENGTHEN OUR ECONOMY, OUR HEALTH AND OUR ENVIRONMENT

SEAFOOD FOR AMERICA’S ECONOMY – We can do more to strengthen rural America

The U.S. ranks 16th in production of farmed seafood, behind producers in Asia, Europe, South America, Canada and Africa, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The U.S. imports most of the seafood it consumes, and its seafood trade deficit is $14 billion and growing. Half of the fish eaten in the United States come from farms – but not from American farms. American aquaculture (both marine and freshwater) meets only 5-7% of U.S. demand for seafood.

SEAFOOD FOR AMERICA’S HEALTH – We can do more to boost consumption

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that Americans consume at least two servings of seafood per week for optimal health. Seafood is a nutrient-rich, relatively low-calorie protein food, and consumption can reduce heart disease risk by up to 36%. According to the USDA, Americans’ average seafood intake is far below recommendations, with 80-90% not eating enough seafood. As of 2014, Americans are only eating 14.5 lbs. of seafood per year, per person equating to less than half the recommended 8-12 oz. per week.

SEAFOOD FOR AMERICA’S ENVIRONMENT – We can do more to protect our environment

Responsible aquaculture will play a crucial role in reducing impacts to our environment while supplying healthful protein to a growing global population. By 2050, global demand for animal protein may be 80% greater than it is now. Aquaculture is the most efficient means of animal protein production and has a far lower environmental impact than any terrestrial means of meat production.

SOLUTION: A vibrant U.S. aquaculture industry will create American jobs, complement production from wild fisheries, increase sustainable US sources of healthy protein, and reduce the seafood trade deficit.  Unfortunately, domestic aquaculture development is constrained by numerous regulatory hurdles, including overlapping jurisdiction of federal, state, regional, county and municipal governments, and the absence of a predictable, affordable and efficient permitting process, particularly in marine environments. 

WHAT CAN CONGRESS DO?

• Support legislation that enables and facilitates aquaculture development in federal waters;
• Support actions that clarify regulatory processes and increase interagency coordination to provide efficient, affordable and predictable permitting for aquaculture operations;
• Work closely with the U.S. seafood community, including harvesters, processors, distributors, retailers, and restaurants, to ensure that federal aquaculture legislation achieves the goal of increasing U.S. production of healthful, affordable and sustainable seafood for the benefit of ALL Americans.