U.S. Aquaculture Seeks Greater Recognition Amid Global Challenges

The National Aquaculture Association is advocating for greater recognition and expansion of responsible American aquaculture in response to global seafood production challenges, particularly those related to forced labor, unsustainable fishing practices, and environmental degradation. The association emphasizes that these issues should not be used to discredit the well-regulated and sustainable practices of American aquaculture.

The U.S. has the regulatory framework, scientific expertise, and responsible producers needed to safely expand sustainable aquaculture production, she added.

American aquaculture operates within a comprehensive framework of federal and state environmental regulations, producing finfish, shellfish, seaweed, and other aquatic species using a wide range of production methods. The sector continues to develop alternatives to traditional marine-derived feed ingredients, including algae-based oils, plant proteins, and other emerging technologies that have significantly reduced dependence on wild-caught fish, while supporting healthy aquatic animal production.

Responsible aquafeed sourcing is supported by independent certification programs, such as Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which establish environmental and sourcing requirements for certified feed manufacturers. BAP standards include requirements addressing the responsible sourcing and traceability of fishmeal and fish oil.

A 2022 peer-reviewed study led by University of Washington fisheries scientist Ray Hilborn examined scientifically assessed small pelagic fish stocks representing approximately 60% of the global catch of these species. The researchers found that average stock abundance and fishing pressure had remained relatively stable since 1970, although conditions varied among regions and individual fisheries. Additional analysis of 137 forage fish stocks, representing more than 22 million metric tons in average annual catch, found that average fishing pressure had declined below levels associated with maximum sustainable yield, while average stock abundance remained near or above sustainable reference levels.

Improvements in aquaculture feed efficiency also demonstrate the sector’s progress. The fish-in/fish-out ratio for Atlantic salmon production declined from 3.21 in 2000 to 0.96 in 2020. For marine finfish, the ratio declined from 1.74 to 0.75 over the same period, reflecting substantial reductions in the quantity of wild fish required to produce farmed fish.

The United States imports more than 80% of the seafood Americans consume. This dangerous dependence on foreign seafood is unnecessary, environmentally costly, and leaves American consumers reliant on international supply chains operating under vastly different safety and regulatory standards. The National Aquaculture Association argues that expanding American aquaculture is part of the solution to the environmental and supply chain challenges highlighted in recent reporting. Supporting responsible domestic seafood production strengthens U.S. food security, contributes greatly to rural and coastal economies, and gives American consumers affordable access to nutritious seafood produced under well-established environmental and regulatory standards.

The association supports continued innovation, responsible sourcing, and science-based policies that encourage the sustainable growth of American aquaculture.