In May of 2020, the President signed an Executive Order promoting American seafood competitiveness and economic growth. This Executive Order was intended to propel the United States forward as a seafood superpower by strengthening the American economy; improving the competitiveness of American industry; ensuring food security; providing environmentally safe and sustainable seafood; supporting American workers; and ensuring coordinated a nd transparent federal actions. Specifically, the Execu tive Order called for the expansion of sustainable U.S. seafood production through:
- More efficient and predictable aquaculture permitting
- Cutting-edge research and development
- Regulatory reform to maximize commercial fishing
- Enforcement of common-sense restrictions on seafood imports that do not meet American standards
The presentation will review the background scientific, trade, and economic data behind this EO and review progress to date. Notably incomplete are actions to release a Seafood Trade Strategy, where aquaculture could have played a significant role, and Section 8 of the EO which directed NOAA to post for public benefit a guidance document describing federal regulatory requirements and agencies. Posting this resource would provide significant assurances to the public t hat federal regulations are adequate and that recreational and commercial fishing communities’ voices are heard . Conclusions will be made that fully implementing the EO will help meet the Administration’s objectives for sustainable and equitable economic growth.