United States (US) Senators Brian Schatz and Roger Wicker introduced a few days ago the bipartisan Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025 (S.2586), a bill that would advance the development of commercial-scale open ocean aquaculture farms in US federal waters. For them, expanding sustainable aquaculture would increase the domestic seafood supply of the country, create jobs and spur investment in coastal communities, strengthen the US seafood industry, and reduce the nation’s seafood trade deficit.
“The bipartisan consensus is clear: Congressional action is needed to build a robust American open ocean aquaculture industry, and the MARA Act lays the groundwork towards that goal,” said Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS).
“We thank Senators Schatz and Wicker for their leadership in introducing legislation that will allow us to demonstrate how we can grow more of our own seafood here at home — and do so responsibly and sustainably, just like it’s already being done today in countries abroad and in our own state waters,” she added.
Main Points
The MARA Act would establish an assessment program to evaluate commercial-scale demonstration projects; create a dedicated Office of Aquaculture within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service to coordinate federal permitting for a US aquaculture program; and set clear timelines and establish a consolidated environmental review process during the permitting approval process.
Also, it would authorize grant funding to modernize American working waterfront communities, including infrastructure that benefits both commercial fishing and aquaculture, and invest in workforce training and curriculum development to train the next generation of aquaculture professionals.
Growing Bipartisan Consensus
According to them, the bill builds on years of bipartisan legislative effort, incorporating key provisions from both the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA Act) and the Science-based Equitable Aquaculture Food (or SEAfood Act), which were both introduced in previous congresses.
“This growing bipartisan consensus in Congress to advance open ocean aquaculture in America comes with strong support from leading environmental groups, seafood industry businesses, chefs, and academics who all agree: We can responsibly grow more of our own seafood here at home,” Banta Winters concluded. “With today’s advanced technology, the responsible farming of seafood can sustainably complement our nation’s wild-capture harvesting to meet the growing demand for fresh, American-raised seafood, create new job opportunities and encourage investment in working waterfront communities.”
Celebrating the Significant Step Forward
Regarding the news, the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA) of the United States is celebrating this significant step forward for sustainable US aquaculture with the introduction of the MARA Act in Congress. “As someone deeply invested in sustainable seafood and responsible food systems, I believe the MARA Act is a landmark opportunity for American aquaculture,” said Barton Seaver, chef, author, and founding member of the CSA.
“This bill embraces science, respects our coastal traditions, and provides a framework for responsible growth in seafood production. By prioritizing environmental stewardship and community resilience, we’re ensuring that aquaculture can enhance our food security while supporting healthy oceans and vibrant coastal communities. It’s a step forward that I am honored to stand behind, as it helps to manifest our collective responsibility to protect and nourish both people and the planet.”
For Maddie Voorhees, US Aquaculture Campaign Director at Environmental Defense Fund and founding CSA member, “the path to a responsible open ocean aquaculture industry in the US must have its foundations in science, research, and community engagement.”
“This bill is an important step toward harnessing scientific innovation and sound environmental practices to meet our seafood needs while protecting marine ecosystems. By leading with science, we can establish standards that prioritize both the health of our oceans and the resilience of our coastal communities.”
Two Growing Organizations
Stronger America Through Seafood advocates for federal policies and regulations that help secure a stronger America through increased US production of healthful, sustainable, and affordable seafood. For its part, the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture is a partnership of environmental advocates, industry leaders, and award-winning chefs who are coming together to chart a responsible path forward for a safe, sustainable, and science-based offshore aquaculture industry in US waters.
The Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture includes more than 70 stakeholders — chefs, fishermen, restaurateurs, environmental NGOs, industry leaders, and more — all united by a commitment to sustainable aquaculture in U.S. waters. The bill comes weeks after CSA members visited Capitol Hill in June to urge lawmakers to support science-based sustainable open ocean aquaculture. This bill reflects the CSA’s collective goals, balancing industry growth with community and environmental priorities.
