Aquaculture plan released by NOAA

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries department has released its strategic plan to double the country’s aquaculture production.

The US imports over 90 per cent of its seafood, about half of which is farmed the NOAA said. While aquaculture globally has grown dramatically over the past 30 years, in the US production has remained low.

“As demand for seafood continues to rise, aquaculture presents a tremendous opportunity not only to meet this demand, but also to increase opportunities for the seafood industry and job creation,” said Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA administrator.

“Expanding US aquaculture in federal waters complements wild harvest fisheries and supports our efforts to maintain sustainable fisheries and resilient oceans.”

The plan will guide efforts within NOAA Fisheries to support development of sustainable marine aquaculture from 2016 to 2020.

The four main goals of the plan include regulatory efficiency, science tools for sustainable management, technology development and transfer, and better informing the public.

These goals are hoped to be achieved by strengthening partnerships, improving external communications, building infrastructure to support marine aquaculture, and “sound program management”.