November, 2021

 – Zeigler, a member of Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), applauds the federal effort to expand sustainable offshore aquaculture following the introduction of legislation in the U.S. Senate. The Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act, introduced on Oct. 28, would increase production of sustainable seafood through the raising of fish in federal waters, the most environmentally friendly means of protein production, and it would create opportunities for new American jobs.

Chris Stock, Global Director – said, “The federal effort to expand American aquaculture comes at a time when it is needed most. Growth of American aquaculture would help revitalize the seafood industry deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and create jobs nationwide – from new jobs for fishermen in coastal areas, to establishing a new market for American farmers of crops that can be used in fish feed. We thank Senators Wicker, Schatz and Rubio for working across party lines to help raise awareness, education and debate in Congress around the topic of expanding aquaculture off our shores.”

The bipartisan AQUAA Act was introduced by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). The bill would establish National Standards for offshore aquaculture and clarify a regulatory system for the farming of fish in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The bill would also establish a research and technology grant program to fund innovative research and extension services focused on improving and advancing sustainable domestic aquaculture.

Learn more about the benefits of aquaculture here: https://www.strongerthroughseafood.org/multimedia-center

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