Trump executive order good for aquaculture? With executive order in hand, will USA get in the aquaculture game?
In the weeks since U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order prioritizing aquaculture development in U.S. marine waters, members of the seafood industry are, in a time defined by global uncertainty, feeling hopeful for the future.
The order aims to increase the domestic production of American seafood by making the aquaculture permitting process more timely and efficient, appointing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the lead agency for aquaculture projects located outside of state waters in the U.S. exclusive economic zone. It also establishes new opportunities for aquaculture that include finfish aquaculture in marine and coastal waters.
The order represents an unprecedented moment for the collective seafood community in the United States, said Margaret Henderson, campaign manager for Stronger American Through Seafood, an industry coalition that advocates policies and regulations to increase U.S. production of healthful, sustainable, and affordable seafood. “We’ve never had this much attention and priority, much less during a global pandemic. Seafood is getting top billing right now and it’s an opportunity for us on the industry side to organize and work to educate policy makers on the importance of introducing healthful seafood. It’s a moment we cannot overlook,” she said.