Innovasea Welcomes AQUAA Act Legislation Filed Today in U.S. Senate

BOSTON – Innovasea, a global leader in technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking, fully supports the federal legislation filed today that would help advance the development of ocean-based aquaculture in the United States.

The AQUAA Act – a bipartisan bill filed by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) – would establish national standards for sustainable offshore aquaculture and create a clear regulatory pathway for marine-based fish farms in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Congress is recognizing the vital role aquaculture is going to play in our nation’s efforts to improve food security in wake of COVID-19, and this legislation supports a straightforward regulatory framework to ensure the industry has the opportunity to grow in a safe and responsible manner,” said David Kelly, CEO of Innovasea and a member of the Stronger America Through Seafood Board of Directors.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector in the world, but the U.S. ranks 16th in the production of farm-raised seafood. The lack of a predictable, affordable and efficient permitting process for offshore aquaculture in the U.S. has significantly hindered the growth of the industry.

The AQUAA Act would reverse that trend while protecting wild-capture fisheries and natural resources.

The regulated expansion of domestic aquaculture would benefit communities across the country by stimulating economic growth and creating thousands of new jobs. Increased aquaculture production would also benefit farmers of soybeans, corn and peas – products that would be used to create fish feed, easing pressure on ocean resources while providing a new market for U.S. farmers.

Earlier this year the U.S. aquaculture industry received a boost when the White House issued an executive order aimed at “removing outdated and unnecessarily burdensome regulations” that have hampered fish farming efforts in the U.S.

“It’s exciting to see ocean-based aquaculture gaining some traction in the United States, which boasts the ninth largest coastline in the world,” said Kelly. “We know from experience that the deeper waters found in the open ocean provide a better habitat for raising healthy fish, and the greater depths and natural currents also help minimize environmental impacts from fish farming.”

About Innovasea
Fueled by leading-edge technology and a passion for research and development, Innovasea is revolutionizing aquaculture and advancing the science of fish tracking to make our oceans and freshwater ecosystems sustainable for future generations. With 250 employees worldwide, we provide full end-to-end solutions for fish farming and aquatic species research – including quality equipment that’s efficient and built to last, expert consulting services, and innovative platforms and products that deliver unrivaled data, information and insights.

Learn more at Innovasea.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.