NOAA Fisheries Advances Draft of Aquaculture Economic Development Plan, Gaining Support from Industry
tronger America Through Seafood (SATS), a leading advocate for the U.S. aquaculture sector, has thrown its support behind NOAA Fisheries' groundbreaking aquaculture economic development plan. This initiative marks a pivotal step in NOAA's comprehensive update of the National Aquaculture Development Plan, the first revision in over four decades.”
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National Aquaculture Development Plan Advances with Focus on Economic Growth
As part of the comprehensive overhaul of the National Aquaculture Development Plan, the economic development strategy emerges as its third fundamental pillar. Comprising three strategic plans, this initiative follows the completion of the Strategic Plan to Enhance Regulatory Efficiency in Aquaculture and the National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Research in 2022.
Guided by the National Science and Technology Council's Subcommittee on Aquaculture, efforts to update the economic development plan have progressed with the release of a draft earlier this year.
SATS, representing the U.S. aquaculture industry, underscores the importance of this plan in fostering economic prosperity and reducing seafood import dependence. Drue Banta Winters, SATS Campaign Manager, emphasizes the need for streamlined regulatory processes and statutory authority to unlock the full potential of domestic aquaculture.
In a letter to NOAA Fisheries, SATS advocates for expanded siting analysis, science-based tools, workforce training, and increased investments in technology and infrastructure. Additionally, the group recommends enhanced federal research into sustainable feed ingredients and drug approvals for marine species.
The public comment period for the draft economic development plan concluded on April 5th. SATS extends its support to broader legislative efforts such as the AQUAA Act, aimed at establishing a nationwide permitting system for offshore aquaculture in federal waters.