US finalises first new aquaculture plan in 40 years

The National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Aquaculture finalised the draft Overview of the plan, which was released earlier this year for public comment. It includes three strategic plans.

Two of them, the Strategic Plan to Enhance Regulatory Efficiency in Aquaculture and the National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Research, were completed and published in 2022. The third plan, the draft Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Economic Development, is now final.

Together these four documents comprise an updated National Aquaculture Development Plan that provides a holistic framework describing how federal agencies are advancing the contributions of aquaculture to support public health and nutrition, resilient communities, a strong economy, and a healthy planet.

In addition to providing a sustainable source of American-raised seafood, NOAA Fisheries notes that aquaculture plays an important role in fisheries restoration. Hatchery-reared fish (seedstock and fingerlings) are released into the wild to help bolster populations of wild marine species. In this regard, aquaculture has helped more than 70 endangered or threatened species, including Pacific Salmon, white abalone and queen conch.

Additionally, it’s helped restore habitats and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The Subcommittee on Aquaculture serves as the federal interagency coordinating group to increase the overall effectiveness and productivity of Federal aquaculture research, regulation, technology transfer, and assistance programmes. Its task force includes partner agencies from the US Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.