U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced the Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood (SEAS) Act, aiming to give aquaculture and seafood producers the same access to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs as livestock and crop farmers.
The bill would open USDA grants and financial assistance to the aquaculture sector and expand federal crop insurance to cover aquaculture products. Originally introduced in 2023 but never brought to a vote, the legislation is back in the House with sponsorship from Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL). Sen. Lisa Rochesters (D-DE) is expected to introduce a companion measure in the Senate.
“Aquaculture has enormous potential to strengthen our food system, reduce our seafood trade deficit, and expand access to safe, sustainable American seafood,” Pallone said. “The SEAS Act fixes longstanding gaps in USDA programs that have overlooked coastal producers.”
Cammack noted the bill’s national security and economic implications, highlighting Florida’s USD 165 million [EUR 142 million] aquaculture industry: “As aquaculture continues to advance with new technologies and techniques, it offers the promise of more affordable, sustainable, and safe seafood for American families.”
The proposal has earned support from the New Jersey Aquaculture Innovation Center and the New Jersey Aquaculture Association. “We have to work harder to shrink our seafood deficit and bolster our nation’s production capabilities,” said Association President Matt Gregg. “The SEAS Act prioritizes aquaculture and lays out a framework for its future.”