First-Ever Executive Order Supports Aquaculture

Last spring, President Trump issued an executive order prioritizing aquaculture development in U.S. marine waters. In a time defined by global uncertainty, members of the seafood industry are feeling hopeful.

The order aims to increase the domestic production of American seafood by making the aquaculture permitting process more timely and efficient, appointing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the lead agency for aquaculture projects located outside of state waters in the U.S. exclusive economic zone.

It also establishes new opportunities for aquaculture that include finfish aquaculture in marine and coastal waters.

The order represents an unprecedented moment for the collective seafood community in the United States, said Margaret Henderson, campaign manager for Stronger American Through Seafood. ■
Information provided by the Global Aquaculture Alliance,aquaculturealliance.org.