The Implications of NOAA's Aquaculture Policy: Where We Go from Here

On September 3, 2009, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, the Administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), announced plans to develop a new national aquaculture policy to guide all forms of marine aquaculture, including potential activity in federal waters.  NOAA’s goal was to develop a policy that would enable sustainable domestic marine aquaculture within the context of the agency’s multiple ocean stewardship missions and broader social and economic goals.

In response to that announcement, NOAA embarked on a months-long initiative to gather broad input from interested stakeholders – including communities, state and local governments, tribes, businesses, the aquaculture industry, commercial and recreational fishermen, the seafood industry, non-governmental organizations, and the public – on the components of a draft aquaculture policy that would both facilitate the growth of a domestic aquaculture industry and maintain marine ecological health.

 Following a series of “Listening Sessions” and a public comment period in 2010, NOAA (and, separately, the Department of Commerce), released in February 2011 draft national aquaculture policies based on the input received and the overarching goal of establishing a national framework.  These draft policies were submitted for review during a 60-day public comment period that ended in April 2011 after which NOAA and DOC finalized their policies.

 Although each policy has different priorities, both provide a foundation for sustainable aquaculture that will create employment and business opportunities in coastal communities; provide safe, domestic seafood; support traditional fishing communities; and complement NOAA's comprehensive strategy to maintain healthy and productive marine populations, species, and ecosystems.

 While not regulatory in nature, the policies provide guidance for NOAA’s actions regarding all forms of marine aquaculture, from shellfish farming and restoration to the culture of marine fish and algae on land and offshore.  The policies will benefit the aquaculture community by outlining how NOAA plans to fund research into innovative aquaculture technologies, work with partners to create job initiatives that encourage the growth of the industry, and grant access to favorable sites for aquaculture facilities.

 Now that NOAA and the Department of Commerce have final aquaculture policies on the books, where do we go from here?  This discussion will highlight the priorities set forth in both policies as well as existing and future initiatives that emerge from establishing this national framework.