Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture Advocates for U.S. Open Ocean Aquaculture Development

Introduction

The Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA) is actively engaging with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to promote the advancement of aquaculture within the United States’ open ocean waters. This initiative aligns with the global commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Context and Importance

1. Rising Consumer Demand: There is an increasing demand among consumers for high-quality, locally sourced seafood. Currently, the U.S. imports the majority of its seafood supply.
2. Opportunity for Sustainable Aquaculture: CSA emphasizes that sustainable, science-based aquaculture represents a significant opportunity to enhance the availability of nutritious American seafood. This complements the country’s wild-caught fisheries and supports job creation in coastal communities, contributing to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
3. Policy and Research Support: By funding research and implementing policies that promote economic opportunities while minimizing environmental risks, Congress can establish science-based standards to scale domestic aquaculture and strengthen the competitiveness of American seafood in global markets.

Legislative and Research Initiatives

• CSA has supported legislation in previous congressional sessions aimed at catalyzing studies and on-the-water demonstration projects. These projects focus on identifying best practices to minimize environmental and social risks associated with aquaculture farms, directly supporting SDG 14.
• Findings from these studies will inform the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework for open ocean aquaculture, ensuring sustainable industry growth that benefits all Americans.
• The coalition also endorses workforce training programs to develop skilled professionals in this emerging sector, advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8.

Coalition Membership and Support

The coalition comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including:

• Fishermen
• Aquaculture technology specialists
• Seafood farmers
• Researchers
• Environmental advocates
• Chefs

This broad representation highlights widespread support for expanding U.S. aquaculture to meet seafood demand and enhance national competitiveness.

Recent Membership Expansion

In the current year, CSA welcomed 21 new members, including:

• Mote Marine Laboratory
• University of New Hampshire’s Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems
• Seafood companies such as Pine Island Redfish and Gulfstream Aquaculture
• Prominent chefs including Rick Bayless of the Frontera Family of Restaurants and Jordan Rubin of Tuna & Company

Statements from Key Representatives

Mike Coogan, Research Assistant Professor at the University of New Hampshire, stated: “As we enter a new frontier in open ocean aquaculture, we must do so with both innovation and foresight to ensure the health of our oceans, marine life and the communities that rely on them.” This reflects a commitment to SDG 14 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Chef Rick Bayless added, “Supporting sustainable aquaculture is a no-brainer for us at the Frontera Family of Restaurants. We want to be able to serve quality seafood to every generation that steps through our doors,” emphasizing the importance of sustainable food systems in line with SDG 2 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Conclusion and Further Information

The Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture continues to advocate for policies and research that promote sustainable growth in U.S. aquaculture, supporting multiple SDGs through environmental stewardship, economic development, and social inclusion.

For a complete list of coalition members, please visit the CSA Members page.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article highlights increasing the supply of nutritious American seafood to meet consumer demand, contributing to food security and improved nutrition.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The development of aquaculture is linked to job creation in coastal communities and economic opportunities.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasis on sustainable and science-based aquaculture practices to minimize environmental risks.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water – Focus on sustainable offshore aquaculture to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the health of oceans and marine life.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The coalition includes diverse stakeholders such as researchers, environmental advocates, industry specialists, and chefs, demonstrating multi-sector partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including fishers and aquaculture farmers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 8
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
3. SDG 12
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and sustainability reporting.
4. SDG 14
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
5. SDG 17
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 2.3: Increase in domestic seafood production volume through sustainable aquaculture practices.
2. Indicator for SDG 8.5: Number of jobs created in coastal communities related to aquaculture development.
3. Indicator for SDG 12.2 and 12.6: Adoption of science-based standards and best practices minimizing environmental and social risks in aquaculture farms.
4. Indicator for SDG 14.2: Health and sustainability metrics of marine ecosystems affected by aquaculture activities.
5. Indicator for SDG 17.16: Number and diversity of stakeholders engaged in partnerships supporting sustainable aquaculture.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: thefishsite.com