Mussel longline aquaculture, a type of aquaculture practised in the coastal ocean of California.
Credit: NOAA Fisheries / Darryl Torckler.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced 13 new Aquaculture Opportunity Areas covering more than 21,000 acres of federal waters off the coasts of Southern California and Texas.
According to NOAA, the areas could be used to develop commercial aquaculture projects producing seaweed, shellfish, and finfish, complementing wild-caught fisheries while ensuring a more secure and sustainable domestic supply of seafood.
In Southern California, NOAA identified ten potential sites ranging from 500-2,000 acres, eight of which were located in the Santa Barbara Channel, with two in in Santa Monica Bay - a total of 16,500 acres. Three locations off the Texas coast were also selected, covering a combined area of 4,500 acres. NOAA said it is funding baseline environmental surveys in the area to help future aquaculture projects better understand local conditions and potential environmental impacts.
The announcement follows the release of two final programme-level environmental impact statements, which identify prime sites for aquaculture development. These plans build on a draft published last year and reflect extensive scientific analysis and public consultation, NOAA said.
The agency argues that expanding domestic aquaculture will help provide high-quality, locally sourced seafood while supporting coastal communities and economic growth.
“The U.S. leads the world in aquaculture science and technology, yet we rank 20th globally in marine aquaculture production,” said Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, acting assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator, via a press release. “By growing our domestic aquaculture industry, we will strengthen American health, create good-paying jobs and drive sustainable, long-term economic growth for our nation," he added.
NOAA's announcement follows federal executive orders aimed at promoting American seafood and domestic production, including 'Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness', issued in April.
NOAA said it is also collaborating with the State of Alaska to explore potential Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in its waters, with a focus on seaweed and shellfish farming, since finfish aquaculture is currently banned by state law.