Press Release

Statement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez on the Introduction of the National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement following Chairman Rahall’s introduction of the National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007.

"I want to thank Chairman Rahall for his commitment to aquaculture and for introducing the Administration’s National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007. As we take stock of our environmental stewardship, the importance of promoting safe and sustainable aquaculture is vital in order to meet the growing demand for seafood. The time for aquaculture is now. The simple fact is that global demand for seafood far exceeds the sustainable harvest levels of our wild fisheries stocks, and we cannot be true stewards of our oceans resources if we do not embrace Aquaculture.

"Seafood contributes over $8 billion to the United States’ trade deficit. America imports 80 percent of its seafood and almost half of that is from aquaculture. A robust offshore aquaculture industry will help reverse this and will help drive economic growth.

"The Administration’s bill as introduced by Chairman Rahall will set up the regulatory framework to promote investment in offshore aquaculture. It also includes strict environmental protections to ensure that domestic aquaculture is undertaken in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. I look forward to working with Congress on this exciting area for job growth, economic investment, and environmental stewardship."

Background:
Commerce Secretary Gutierrez proposed the aquaculture legislation on March 12 in Boston to promote safe and sustainable aquaculture in order to meet the growing demand for seafood, help the U.S. industry better compete and reduce the need for U.S. imports.

The National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007 will bolster domestic seafood production by allowing aquaculture (fish and shellfish farming) in the open ocean, beyond three miles offshore. In addition to creating jobs and enhancing revenue in coastal communities, this new industry will benefit other industries, including soybean and grain producers, equipment and technology providers, seafood processors, transport, marketing, food service, veterinarians, and commercial and recreational fisherman through stock enhancement.

The bill will allow aquaculture in federal waters—seafood farming beyond three miles off the coast—with stringent environmental provisions and is designed to complement efforts already underway in the states. Aquaculture is currently a $1 billion U.S. industry and a key area for future sustainable economic growth in the fishing industry.