About | Priorities | 10-Year Plan

NOAA 10-Year Plan for Marine Aquaculture

10-Year Plan Cover

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) finalized and adopted the 10-Year Plan for Marine Aquaculture on October 30, 2007. The plan provides a broad framework for U.S. marine aquaculture, goals for the NOAA Aquaculture Program, and an assessment of the challenges the agency will face in its effort to reach those goals.

On October 30, 2007, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) finalized and adopted the 10-Year Plan for Marine Aquaculture as an agency-wide policy document. The plan is intended to guide the agency as it works toward establishing marine aquaculture as an integral part of the U.S. seafood industry and as a viable technology for replenishing important commercial and recreational fisheries. The plan provides specific goals for the NOAA Aquaculture Program and an assessment of the challenges the agency will face in its effort to reach its goals.

The goals in the 10-Year Plan are:

  • A comprehensive regulatory program for environmentally sustainable marine aquaculture;
  • Development of commercial marine aquaculture and replenishment of wild stocks;
  • Public understanding of marine aquaculture; and
  • Increased collaboration and cooperation with international partners.

The plan was prepared by the NOAA Aquaculture Program at the request of the agency's Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC), which advises the Secretary of Commerce on all living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the Department.


Background

In response to a June 2005 request from the agency’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, the NOAA Aquaculture Program developed the 10-Year Plan to frame the agency’s vision and goals for increased development of sustainable marine aquaculture in the U.S.

At its July 2006 meeting, MAFAC reviewed the draft plan and recommended that it be formally adopted by NOAA. Following the 2006 MAFAC meeting, the draft 10-Year Plan was revised and, in November 2006, NOAA requested public comment on an interim draft plan. The formal public comment period on the interim draft plan closed on November 30, 2006. A final plan was presented to NOAA for adoption in 2007.

Final 10-Year Plan

Additional Information

(top)