US officials have unveiled new orders to strengthen American fisheries, expand seafood production and reduce dependence on foreign seafood imports.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified 13 ’Aquaculture Opportunity Areas’ totaling more than 21,000 acres in federal waters of the Gulf of America and off Southern California.
“The US leads the world in aquaculture science and technology, yet we rank 20th globally in marine aquaculture production,” said Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, acting assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator.
“By growing our domestic aquaculture industry, we will strengthen American health, create good-paying jobs and drive sustainable, long-term economic growth for our nation.”
America first
Americans consume roughly US$15 billion in seafood each year, much of it imported from countries with weaker environmental and labour standards.
By developing domestic fish farming to complement wild-capture fisheries, NOAA aims to meet rising demand while supporting coastal communities.
These new orders also fulfil President Trump’s 2020 Executive Order “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth” and support the 2025 Executive Order “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness”, which champion an America-first seafood industry.
The newly identified areas include ten sites off Southern California and three in the Gulf of America, suitable for seaweed, shellfish and finfish aquaculture.
NOAA said that final decision documents will follow, backed by 19 scientific studies and extensive public input.
More information on the Aquaculture Opportunity Areas
