September, 2020

GARDNERS, PA – 9/29/20 – Zeigler, a member of Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), applauds the bipartisan effort to establish National Standards for offshore aquaculture in U.S. federal waters. The Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act (S. 4723) was introduced in the U.S. Senate on September 24, 2020 by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Marco Rubio (R-FL).

Chris Stock, Global Director – Aquaculture Sales said, “At a time when food security and economic needs are so evident, Zeigler applauds Senators Wicker, Schatz and Rubio for their bipartisan leadership on advancing aquaculture legislation. Imports now represents 90% of the seafood consumed in the U.S. with a trade deficit of around $17 billion annually. It is more important than ever that our leaders in Washington continue their support of the US aquaculture industry.”

The bipartisan AQUAA Act would establish National Standards for offshore aquaculture and clarify a regulatory system for the development of aquaculture in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The AQUAA Act, which has companion legislation in the U.S. House, would complement the May 2020 Executive Order on seafood competitiveness to support the development of an offshore aquaculture industry in the United States.

The expansion of aquaculture in the U.S., one of the most resource efficient methods of producing animal protein, would meet the growing demand for domestic seafood while protecting our fisheries and ecosystems. In addition to boosting growth for the seafood industry, American aquaculture would provide a new market for U.S. farmers, specifically for crops such as soybeans, corn and peas, which are used to create fish feed and ease pressure on ocean resources.

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