The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is charting a bold course for American aquaculture to grow sustainably and reach its full potential. At an agency level, the “Office of Aquaculture’s Strategic Plan (2023-2028)” provides a framework to manage efficiently and effectively, lead science for sustainability, educate the public, and support economic growth. This informs “NOAA’s National Seafood Strategy”, which outlines strategies for resilient seafood in our changing climate--encompassing both wild-capture fisheries and aquaculture. In addition, NOAA’s science, including environmental interactions, climate change adaptations, and development of new candidate species, supports a resilient and sustainable industry.
Aquaculture is also becoming recognized as critical to American food security and climate resilience at the very highest levels of government. Executive Order 13921 “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth” called for, among other measures, the development of Aquaculture Opportunity Areas--geographic areas environmentally, socially, and economically appropriate for commercial aquaculture. The 2023 White House “Ocean Climate Action Plan” identifies aquaculture as a critical component of climate resilience, and the 2021 Homeland Security report “Threats to Food and Agricultural Resources” states the need for the U.S. to increase domestic aquaculture production. Additionally, aquaculture is recognized as pivotal to domestic food security in the White House “National Security Memorandum on Strengthening the Security of Resilience of United States Food and Agriculture.” As aquaculture moves further into national discussions, NOAA will continue to provide science and services that ensure that the U.S. aquaculture industry grows sustainably.