A new bill in the U.S. Senate aims to increase domestic seafood production in the U.S., which currently imports most of its seafood.
The Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025 would explore innovative new methods of producing homegrown American sustainable aquaculture.
The bill focuses on boosting offshore aquaculture development by removing regulatory barriers, providing a positive impact on the aquaculture industry by opening up new areas for fish farming, and potentially increasing domestic seafood production.
The Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA), which supports this legislation, says enhancing food security for the U.S can happen while supporting healthy oceans and vibrant coastal communities.
The U.S. currently imports the majority of its seafood, with half of that supply farmed abroad. CSA says as seafood demand grows domestically, exploring sustainable seafood production through open ocean aquaculture holds the potential to reduce reliance on imports, foster American ingenuity and innovation, bolster U.S. food security, and lower carbon emissions associated with international seafood transport—while creating jobs and economic opportunities in coastal communities.
However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) lacks the direct authority to put exploratory farms in the water that can inform the development of proper legal safeguards. This bill addresses that gap, providing clear guidelines to ensure safe, sustainable practices.
The CSA said they were encouraged to see that the MARA Act includes key provisions, such as establishing a NOAA Aquaculture Assessment Program to advance commercial-scale demonstration projects, evaluate environmental impacts, and develop best practices. It commissions studies to assess the environmental, regulatory, and social viability of open ocean aquaculture while incorporating lessons from U.S. and international experiences.
Supporters of this bill say it would help the U.S to be less dependent on foreign countries for its seafood.
The membership of the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture includes chefs, fishermen, restaurateurs, and environmental NGOs.
