Our oceans play a vital role in supporting a healthy planet and our livelihoods, especially here in Delaware. As we celebrated World Oceans Day on June 8, it’s imperative that our lawmakers prioritize legislative proposals that will help protect our environment and address the climate crisis. Offshore aquaculture, or fish farming off our shores, is an opportunity to increase America’s seafood production, ensure our nation’s food security and help protect our marine resources. But we need the support of the president and Congress to make it happen.
With an anticipated 40 million tons of fish needed by 2030 to meet demand, seafood will play a vital role in feeding our growing global population. Aquaculture, in complement with wild harvesting, can help meet the rising demand for protein, while supporting a strong ocean ecosystem and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Scientific research continually demonstrates that offshore aquaculture has a low environmental impact in the surrounding waters when done carefully and managed responsibly. With low carbon outputs, zero methane emissions and minimal reliance on scarce land and water resources, aquaculture is one of the most resource-efficient ways to produce animal protein. Further, certain types of aquaculture, such as shellfish and seaweed production, can help clean the waters and strengthen ocean ecosystems, providing a solution to help counter the effects of climate change.
Through federal action, lawmakers can establish a clear regulatory pathway for permitting offshore aquaculture to establish a robust industry and help build a sustainable seafood future.
Margaret Henderson
Campaign manager, Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS)
