" ... we must turn to the sea with new understanding and new technology. We need to farm it as we farm the land ..."
- Jacques Cousteau, 1973

NOAA Aquaculture Program

Oyster farm

Everyone pitches in at harvest time on a family-owned oyster farm in Willapa Bay, Washington [Photo courtesy of Bill Dewey].

Aquaculture is the fastest growing form of food production in the world. It is also a significant source of protein for people in many countries, including the United States. Globally, nearly half the fish consumed by humans is produced by fish farms. This worldwide trend toward aquaculture production is expected to continue. At the same time, demand for safe, healthy seafood is also expected to grow.

As a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is at the forefront of a national initiative to help the United States become more self-sufficient in the production of seafood. This initiative is based on sustainable commercial marine fisheries complemented by robust domestic aquaculture production. The highlight of NOAA’s recent aquaculture efforts is the introduction of the National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007. If enacted, the bill would create a regulatory framework for safe, sustainable aquaculture operations in U.S. federal waters, three to 200 miles off the coast and expand a research program for all of marine aquaculture, not just offshore.

NOAA's overall aquaculture efforts are focused on creating domestic supply to meet the nation’s growing demand for seafood; establishing aquaculture and as a viable technology for replenishment of important commercial and recreational marine fisheries; and creating opportunities for the United States to engage the global aquaculture community through scientific and technological exchange.

 

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