Congress has introduced the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025, laying the foundation for exploring innovative new methods of producing homegrown American sustainable aquaculture.
(WASHINGTON–August 4, 2025) Today, the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA) celebrates a significant step forward for sustainable U.S. aquaculture with the introduction of the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025 in Congress. Sponsored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), this bipartisan bill establishes a momentous step forward to support the responsible research of open ocean aquaculture in the U.S. while prioritizing strong environmental standards and community resilience.
“As someone deeply invested in sustainable seafood and responsible food systems, I believe the MARA Act is a landmark opportunity for American aquaculture,” said Barton Seaver, chef, author, and founding member of the CSA. “This bill embraces science, respects our coastal traditions, and provides a framework for responsible growth in seafood production. By prioritizing environmental stewardship and community resilience, we’re ensuring that aquaculture can enhance our food security while supporting healthy oceans and vibrant coastal communities. It’s a step forward that I am honored to stand behind, as it helps to manifest our collective responsibility to protect and nourish both people and the planet.”
The U.S. currently imports the majority of its seafood, with half of that supply farmed abroad. As seafood demand grows domestically, exploring sustainable seafood production through open ocean aquaculture holds the potential to reduce reliance on imports, foster American ingenuity and innovation, bolster U.S. food security, and lower carbon emissions associated with international seafood transport—while creating jobs and economic opportunities in coastal communities.
However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) lacks the direct authority to put exploratory farms in the water that can inform the development of proper legal safeguards. This bill addresses that gap, providing clear guidelines to ensure safe, sustainable practices.
“The path to a responsible open ocean aquaculture industry in the U.S. must have its foundations in science, research, and community engagement,” said Maddie Voorhees, U.S. Aquaculture Campaign Director at Environmental Defense Fund and founding CSA member. “This bill is an important step toward harnessing scientific innovation and sound environmental practices to meet our seafood needs while protecting marine ecosystems. By leading with science, we can establish standards that prioritize both the health of our oceans and the resilience of our coastal communities.”
The CSA is encouraged to see that the MARA Act includes key provisions, such as establishing a NOAA Aquaculture Assessment Program to advance commercial-scale demonstration projects, evaluate environmental impacts, and develop best practices. It commissions studies to assess the environmental, regulatory, and social viability of open ocean aquaculture while incorporating lessons from U.S. and international experiences.
The bill promotes workforce development and economic opportunities for fishing and aquaculture communities, supports innovation and education through Aquaculture Centers of Excellence at educational institutions, streamlines permitting by designating NOAA as the lead agency, and ensures inclusivity by integrating Tribal and Indigenous knowledge into regulatory processes.
“At The Marine Mammal Center, we’re encouraged to see the introduction of the MARA Act, said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at the Marine Mammal Center and CSA member. “A future in aquaculture where there is a scientific basis for decision-making, identified and agreed best practices, and an assurance of environmental safeguards, for marine mammals and the ecosystems they rely upon, is essential to our responsible stewardship of the ocean.”
The Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture includes more than 70 stakeholders—chefs, fishermen, restaurateurs, environmental NGOs, industry leaders, and more—all united by a commitment to sustainable aquaculture in U.S. waters. The bill comes weeks after CSA members visited Capitol Hill in June to urge lawmakers to support science-based sustainable open ocean aquaculture. This bill reflects the CSA’s collective goals, balancing industry growth with community and environmental priorities.
“The question isn’t wild-caught or farmed, but rather, “Is it healthy and sustainable?” said Capt. Jim Green, President of the Charter Fisherman’s Association and CSA member. “As for-hire fishermen, we believe everyone should have access to the benefits of protein-rich seafood. But whether it is recreationally caught, commercially harvested or farmed, we must ensure our seafood is produced through a transparent process with rigorous safeguards that support the long-term sustainability of our fisheries and ocean.”
For more information on what the MARA Act means for U.S. aquaculture, please visit coalitionforsustainableaquaculture.org/mara/.
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The Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA) is a partnership of environmental advocates, industry leaders, and award-winning chefs who are coming together to chart a responsible path forward for a safe, sustainable, and science-based offshore aquaculture industry in U.S. waters. For more information, visit CoalitionForSustainableAquaculture.org.
Media Contact: Sara Carney, [email protected]