Aquaculture Magazine reports:
The United States (US) is releasing an updated National Aquaculture Development Plan for the first time since 1983. The National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Aquaculture finalized the draft Overview of the National Aquaculture Development Plan, which was released earlier this year for public comment. It includes three strategic plans.
The new Plan aims to strength the US commitment to food security, climate resilience, and the protection of threatened and endangered marine and freshwater species, reported NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service, an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce (NOAA).
The National Aquaculture Development Plan provides a holistic framework describing how federal agencies are advancing the contributions of aquaculture to support public health and nutrition, resilient communities, a strong economy, and a healthy planet.
Strategic plans
According to the information published in the NOAA Fisheries website, an official spot of the United States government, the National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Aquaculture finalized the draft Overview of the National Aquaculture Development Plan, which was released earlier this year for public comment including three strategic plans.
Two of them, the Strategic Plan to Enhance Regulatory Efficiency in Aquaculture and the National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Research, were completed and published in 2022. The third plan, the draft Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Economic Development, is now final. Together these four documents comprise an updated National Aquaculture Development Plan.
Federal interagency coordinating group
The Subcommittee on Aquaculture, explained from NOAA, serves as the federal interagency coordinating group to increase the overall effectiveness and productivity of Federal aquaculture research, regulation, technology transfer, and assistance programs.
The Subcommittee on Aquaculture’s Economic Development task force includes partner agencies from the US Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Three objectives
The Strategic Plan to Improve Regulatory Efficiency in Aquaculture has three objectives: improve the efficiency of aquaculture permitting and authorization programs; implement a national approach to aquatic animal health management in aquaculture; and refine, develop and disseminate tools for aquaculture regulatory management.
The National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Research identifies objectives for strategic goals that will support the development of U.S. aquaculture through the coordination of federal agency and interagency research, science, and technology over five years. The objectives are developing economic growth through aquaculture; improve aquaculture production technologies and inform decision making; and maintain animal welfare, product safety and nutritional value.
For its part, the Strategic Plan does not call for the creation of new federal programs or structures, but rather outlines ways in which existing programs among federal partners can be better coordinated and aligned to address the challenges and opportunities of the aquaculture industry. Effective implementation of this plan will depend on continued and expanded collaboration with non-Federal partners and among Federal agencies themselves.
National Fish Hatchery System
The National Fish Hatchery System raises millions of fish and aquatic wildlife to improve sustainable recreational fishing, support fisheries that have been impacted by a federal dam, recover federally listed threatened or endangered species, fulfill our Tribal Trust responsibilities, and prevent at-risk species from becoming endangered. The hatchery system is supported by a network of health and technology centers, as well as the Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership is a fish medicine research and development program dedicated to obtaining US Food and Drug Administration approval of new medications needed for use in fish culture and fisheries management.
Aquaculture is also becoming an increasingly important means of food production. Seafood farming, if done responsibly -as it is in the United States- is one of the most environmentally sustainable ways to produce healthy food.
In a changing climate, aquaculture is becoming increasingly important as a climate-smart and healthy means of food production. Seafood farming, if done responsibly -as it is in the United States- is one of the most environmentally sustainable ways to produce healthy food.
In addition to providing a sustainable source of American-raised seafood, aquaculture plays an important role in fisheries restoration. Hatchery-reared fish (seedstock and fingerlings) are released into the wild to help bolster populations of wild marine species. Aquaculture has helped more than 70 endangered or threatened species, including Pacific Salmon, white abalone, and queen conch. In addition, it’s helped restore habitats and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Statement from Drue Banta Winters, Campaign Manager for Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS):
“The release of this new Strategic Plan is a big step forward on the path to growing the U.S. aquaculture industry. This report clearly states that aquaculture is ‘an essential part of a climate-resilient, sustainable food strategy’ and ‘advances national priorities’ – expanding aquaculture will create quality jobs, reduce reliance on seafood imports, and strengthen America’s food independence.”
“Between President Trump’s executive order in his first administration and this administration’s work through NOAA, we are seeing real bipartisan support for growing the American aquaculture industry. Now, the next crucial step is for Congress to pass legislation that establishes a clear pathway forward to support and expand aquaculture into U.S. federal waters.”
SATS has previously submitted its comments on the drafted plan detailing support for many components and offering additional focus areas: Stronger America Through Seafood Supports Community Outreach, Science, Increased Literacy, and Expanded Siting in NOAA’s Aquaculture Development Plans — Stronger America Through Seafood
