Cammack, Pallone Introduce Bipartisan Bill Supporting Aquaculture and Seafood Producers

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06) introduced the Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood (SEAS) Act—bipartisan legislation which ensures aquaculture and seafood producers are eligible for USDA grants, scientific research opportunities, and agricultural development initiatives.
 
“America’s national security is closely tied to our food security. As aquaculture continues to advance with new technologies and techniques, it offers the promise of more affordable, sustainable, and safe seafood for American families. Florida’s aquaculture industry generates over $165 million in annual sales, ranking among the top states nationwide,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “I’m proud to work alongside Rep. Pallone in strengthening and supporting USDA’s aquaculture initiatives.”
 
“Aquaculture has enormous potential to strengthen our food system, reduce our seafood trade deficit, and expand access to safe, sustainable American seafood,” said Congressman Pallone. “But for too long, USDA programs have overlooked coastal producers. The SEAS Act fixes that by putting seafood on equal footing with traditional agriculture and making smart investments to help this industry grow.”


Background:

Despite the growing importance of aquaculture in the U.S. food supply, many seafood producers have historically been excluded from USDA resources and programs that benefit traditional agriculture. The SEAS Act addresses this gap by:

• Ensuring aquaculture and seafood producers are eligible for key USDA programs, including conservation, research, and technical assistance initiatives.
• Directing the USDA to develop a strategy to integrate aquaculture more fully into its mission, including coordination across agencies.
• Promoting equity for coastal and inland aquaculture producers, including those producing fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms.
  Supporting research and development for innovative, sustainable practices in seafood production.

By aligning federal support for aquaculture with that of traditional agriculture, the SEAS Act helps meet rising demand for U.S.-grown seafood, bolsters food security, and strengthens coastal economies across the country.

###