The US supports marine aquaculture
This makes even more sense since half of the imported seafood coming to the US consumers originate in farms in foreign countries - many of whom may not have the same quality control standards that the US and Canada have. The US government - through its National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a Line Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - has posted the following information about “Marine Aquaculture in the U.S.- Growing Our Domestic Seafood”:
What is marine aquaculture?
Marine aquaculture is the breeding, rearing and harvesting of marine plants and animals. U.S. marine aquaculture produces primarily oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, salmon and some other marine fish. Marine aquaculture can take place in the ocean or on-land in tanks and ponds.
What can marine aquaculture do for the economy?
Marine aquaculture creates jobs, supports resilient working waterfronts and coastal communities and provides new international trade opportunities. As aquaculture has grown to complement our wild fisheries, current and former fishermen are using aquaculture to supplement and support fishing livelihoods. Farmed seafood products already make up half of the world’s seafood supply, but U.S. production lags behind much of the world, leading to an $11 billion (~€ 8.8 billion) seafood trade deficit in the United States. Aquaculture currently accounts for 20% of the value of domestic fisheries landings. Doubling current production could result in tens of thousands of jobs in coastal communities.
Why is aquaculture needed to increase seafood supply?
Shellfish, finfish and seaweed farming is a steady source of safe, nutritious, sustainable seafood for consumers in the United States and worldwide. Today the United States imports over 90% of the seafood we eat by value – more than any other country. Global and domestic demand for seafood is poised to grow. Even as we maintain and rebuild our wild harvest fisheries, we cannot meet increasing domestic demand for seafood alone through wild-caught fisheries. Marine aquaculture provides a domestic source of economically and environmentally sustainable seafood that complements and supports our wild fisheries production.
Is marine aquaculture being done sustainably in the U.S.?
Yes. Over the last 30 years we have learned how to manage aquaculture sustainably. The practices and technologies available today are significantly improved over what was available during the industry’s early years. NOAA, with its partners and collaborators, has developed economically and environmentally sustainable marine aquaculture practices in U.S. waters.
