A new bipartisan bill has been tabled in the US to give aquaculture and seafood equal billing with agriculture.
The Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood (SEAS) Act requires the USDA Secretary to ensure these industries receive equal treatment through the fair use of grants and funding.
“Investing in aquaculture will help ensure all Americans have access to safe and affordable seafood nationwide,” said Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) who introduced the bill along with representatives Kat Cammack (FL-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large).
“The SEAS Act will help us meet the growing demand for American seafood and provides critical congressional support for USDA’s aquaculture programs.”
Despite recommendations that adults eat around two portions of seafood per week, the USDA awards a disproportionate percentage of funding to animal agriculture and land-based producers, leaving coastal communities and aquaculture producers without equal access to federal funding.
According to NOAA, the US imports 70 to 85% of its seafood. It is estimated that more than half of this imported seafood is a product of foreign aquaculture.
The bill has been welcomed by New Jersey’s thriving seafood and aquaculture industry. Keith Craffey, president of the Baymen’s Protective Association called it ‘an important first step’ in ensuring fair treatment.
Matt Gregg, president of the New Jersey Aquaculture Association said it was important to bolster the nation’s own production. “The SEAS Act prioritises aquaculture and lays out a framework for its future. We are eager to work with Congressman Pallone to strengthen the domestic production of shellfish,” he said.
