The creation of a national seafood marketing council for the United States has moved a step closer with Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi introducing the Seafood Marketing Act of 2022, co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland.
The legislation would re-establish the National Seafood Council as a vehicle to promote the consumption of seafood.
“America’s seafood industry provides our nation with some of the most nutritious, cost-effective, and delicious protein on the market. That is especially true in my home state of Mississippi where our producers are a cultural and economic treasure,” Wicker said. “This bipartisan effort would raise awareness about the positive health benefits of eating seafood and continue supporting a critical sector of the American economy.”
“Americans are looking for competitive options at the supermarket and seafood provides a range of tastes for healthy and delicious meals,” said Cardin. “Across the Chesapeake Bay and across the country, seafood is an integral component of our economy. I’m proud to join Senator Wicker in this bipartisan effort to support this important industry.”
Wicker also worked to include language in the FY23 Appropriations bill that would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to deliver a report to Congress on how the agency would best support the National Seafood Council.
The National Seafood Council previously operated from 1986 to 1991. At the time, data showed it had an impact on national seafood consumption. The bipartisan measure would re-establish the council with federal support until 2027, at which point funding responsibility would transfer to seafood industry stakeholders.
Wicker’s legislation has won the support of several industry and state organisations, such as Catfish Farmers of America, Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association, and the Seafood Nutrition Partnership.
