National Aquaculture Association

10/13/2026

NAA Urges Congress to Protect USDA Farm Loans for American Farmers
Add your name to NAA’s letter to Congress! Sign on at the link below.

October 13, 2026

The Honorable John Boozman, Chairman
The Honorable Amy Klobuchar , Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry

Dear Chairman Boozman and Ranking Member Klobuchar,

On behalf of the National Aquaculture Association, our partner organizations, and aquaculture businesses across the country, we thank the Committee for its leadership in advancing S.5526, the Agricultural Act of 2026. We strongly support the Committee’s work
and the passage of a Farm Bill, and we are particularly grateful for the provisions which support U.S. aquaculture. We write to express our serious concerns about Section 5216 of the Agricultural Act of 2026, which would expand eligibility for USDA farm operating loans
to the commercial fishing sector, and to respectfully urge that it be removed before the bill moves forward.

Section 5216 would allow farm operating loans to be used for the costs of acquiring, operating, or maintaining commercial fishing vessels. These loans were designed and are continuously funded to support farmers who cultivate and raise food. Commercial fishing
is a fundamentally different economic model. Farmers, including aquaculture farmers, grow a renewable crop that they own and manage from start to finish. Commercial fishermen harvest a wild, public trust resource that they do not own, cultivate, or replenish
through their own labor or capital investment. USDA’s loan programs, and associated loan products and risk models are designed around cultivation, not extraction. Wild-caught fish
are not a crop, and a fishing vessel is not a farm.

USDA loan programs already face high demand, backlogs, and long wait times. Adding an entirely new, non-agricultural applicant base would compound these pressures in several ways. Loan officers are not trained to evaluate the collateral, risk and revenue profiles of
commercial fishing operations, and a larger applicant pool would slow processing for the farmers and ranchers these programs were created to serve. Farm operating loans are also finite, and every dollar directed to commercial fishing is a dollar unavailable to farmers, which is particularly critical for aquaculture farmers as aquaculture farms often struggle to obtain commercial capital.

We fully support our colleagues in the commercial fishing sector, and we share the goal of strengthening American seafood production. However, wild fisheries have dedicated federal and state support, most notably NOAA’s Fisheries Finance Program, which was designed to address the specific needs of that sector. NOAA and the regional fishery management councils are best positioned to address those challenges.

Challenges within assistance programs for commercial fisheries need to be improved through NOAA and fisheries specific policy. Redirecting that need to USDA does not create new capital for wild fisheries. Instead, it would draw on a fixed pool of agricultural funding and allow the commercial fishing sector to access two separate federal support systems.

The aquaculture community would welcome the opportunity to support the commercial fishing sector and the Committee’s colleagues within the Senate Commerce Committee
on the development of NOAA focused reforms and improvements to make these programs more accessible and effective for the commercial fishing sector.

The National Aquaculture Association and our partners respectfully urge the Committee to remove Section 5216 from the Agricultural Act of 2026. Commercial fisheries deserve dedicated tools to address their challenges, delivered through agencies with the expertise to support wild fisheries. U.S. aquaculture producers are an essential component of U.S. seafood production, and folding an extraction-based sector into programs designed to support farmers is not a viable vehicle for supporting American seafood producers. Such efforts undermine U.S. aquaculture farmers who rely on USDA programs.

With a U.S. seafood trade deficit of roughly $20 billion, it is more important than ever to ensure that domestic aquaculture has the support it needs to grow, and access to USDA support programs is critical for the aquaculture sector. We appreciate the Committee’s
attention to this issue and its continued commitment to American agriculture, and we welcome the opportunity to work with you and your staff on this matter.

Respectfully,
Sebastian Belle, President
National Aquaculture Association

SIGN NAA'S LETTER TO CONGRESS HERE: https://forms.gle/edscACEUJto4SDxXA

10/12/2026

The National Shellfisheries Association is accepting applications for its 2026 student research grants, offering $1,250 awards to support shellfish research, applied research, and outreach and education. Applications are due November 1, 2026.

APPLY NOW! Applications for the NSA Student Research Grants are DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2026.

Melbourne R. Carriker Award (any area of shellfisheries)
Michael Castagna Award (area of applied shellfisheries)
George R. Abbe Award (area of crustacean biology/fisheries management)
R. LeRoy Creswell Award for Outreach and Education
Susan E. Ford Award (shellfish immunology)

Applicants must be CURRENT members of the NSA to qualify.

Each Grant Award provides $1,250 to support student research projects in shellfisheries, applied shellfisheries, crustacean biology and fisheries management, shellfish immunology, and outreach/extension costs related to shellfisheries.

Applicants must provide a cover sheet, two-page proposal, budget, resume, and letter of endorsement from the student's major advisor. Grant descriptions and more details can be found at https://www.shellfish.org/student-research-grants

Not a student member? Join now: https://www.shellfish.org/
NSA student members – you must renew your 2027 membership prior to applying. Check your email for the latest renewal notice or renew now: https://www.shellfish.org/

THERE ARE NO EXTENSIONS SO GET YOUR APPLICATION IN TODAY!

10/10/2026

NAA MEDIA STATEMENT - October 10, 2026

U.S. Aquaculture Offers a Sustainable Answer to Global Seafood Production Challenges

National Aquaculture Association calls for greater recognition and expansion of responsible American aquaculture

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 10, 2026 — In response to recent reporting on environmental and labor concerns associated with international fish farming and seafood supply chains, the National Aquaculture Association (NAA) is emphasizing the importance of expanding responsible, well-regulated aquaculture production in the United States.

The recent reporting involving forced labor, unsustainable fishing practices, and environmental degradation overseas warrants serious attention. However, these practices should not be used to characterize an entire global sector that includes wholly diverse species, production systems, and regulatory environments.

American aquaculture operates within a well-established framework of comprehensive federal and state environmental regulations, with producers raising finfish, shellfish, seaweed, and other aquatic species using a wide range of production methods. Advances in feed technology, production efficiency, environmental monitoring, and sustainable farming practices continue to strengthen the sector.

“Serious problems in poorly regulated international supply chains should not be used to discredit responsible American aquaculture producers who operate under some of the world’s most stringent environmental and regulatory standards” said Caitlyn Czajkowski, Executive Director of the National Aquaculture Association. “The United States has the regulatory framework, scientific expertise, and responsible producers needed to safely expand sustainable aquaculture production. We should be growing more seafood here at home, not allowing the failures of irresponsible operations overseas to define our sector.”

Aquaculture feed innovation is an important part of that progress. 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 also supported by independent certification programs, including Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). These programs establish environmental and sourcing requirements for certified feed manufacturers. BAP standards include requirements addressing the responsible sourcing and traceability of fishmeal and fish oil.

Scientific research also provides important context for concerns about the depletion of wild fish populations used in aquaculture feed. 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.

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. According to IFFO, the Marine Ingredients Organisation, 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.

We should be producing more seafood in America, under strong American environmental and labor protections, rather than outsourcing its production and the responsibility for how it is raised.

“Expanding American aquaculture is part of the solution to the environmental and supply chain challenges highlighted in recent reporting” Czajkowski added. “Supporting responsible domestic seafood production strengthens US 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.”

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

Media Contact
Maria Smithson
National Aquaculture Association
[email protected]
704-905-3577

About the National Aquaculture Association

The National Aquaculture Association is the national trade association representing the diverse interests of U.S. aquaculture, including producers, suppliers, researchers, and allied businesses. NAA advocates for a sustainable, profitable, and environmentally responsible American aquaculture sector.

09/25/2026

During National Aquaculture Week, we’re celebrating the tremendous economic impact of U.S. aquaculture and the farmers and businesses behind it.

American aquaculture makes an impact far beyond each farm.

Each year, U.S. aquaculture producers make significant contributions to our national economy:

• Nearly $4 billion in economic activity
• More than 22,000 jobs supported
• Approximately $1 billion in labor income
• Nearly $194 million in local, state and federal tax revenue
• 96% of U.S. economic sectors are supported by aquaculture
(Kumar et al., 2024)

And these figures only capture economic activity generated at the farm level. They do not include the additional impact created as U.S. aquaculture products move through processing, distribution, food service and retail.

We’re proud to celebrate the U.S. aquaculture industry and the farmers and businesses that create jobs, strengthen our national and local economies and contribute to America’s food security.

09/22/2026

This National Aquaculture Week, we’re celebrating the hardworking farmers who make American aquaculture possible.

Across the country, U.S. aquaculture farmers raise fish, shellfish, seaweed and other aquatic species with skill, dedication and a deep commitment to stewardship of the waters and communities where they work.

They help feed our nation, support rural and coastal economies, create jobs, strengthen our domestic supply of seafood and other aquaculture products, and carry forward generations of knowledge while embracing new science and technology.

National Aquaculture Week is a great opportunity to recognize the people behind this vital American industry. To our farmers, thank you for the work you do every day. NAA is proud to support your work and be your voice in Washington and across the country.

09/18/2026

What a fantastic week at Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association’s 80th Annual Conference at the beautiful Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington, overlooking the Salish Sea.

The conference brought together shellfish growers and industry leaders for valuable science and sector sessions, along with plenty of fun opportunities to connect and celebrate camaraderie.

PCSGA put together an incredible lineup of networking and social events, including golf and salmon fishing - showcasing the magic of this spectacular place.

NAA was delighted to attend, and Director of Membership and Marketing Maria Smithson led PR and media training for the PCSGA Board of Directors and groups of shellfish producers, equipping industry leaders with practical communications tools and confidence to effectively represent shellfish aquaculture.

Congratulations to PCSGA on 80 years and an outstanding conference!

09/16/2026

09/05/2026

09/02/2026

From tiny seed to harvest-ready oyster, there’s a lot that goes into growing one of America’s most iconic shellfish.

For the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, shellfish are part of a tradition stretching back thousands of years along the Salish Sea. Today, Jamestown Seafood carries that connection forward through aquaculture, growing shellfish in the same waters that have sustained S’Klallam families for generations. Take a look at how their oysters grow - from seed to harvest.

08/28/2026

Great news for U.S. aquaculture producers this week!

NAA has been closely monitoring tariff developments between the United States and Canada and working to understand and communicate the potential impacts for our farmers.

After initially including U.S. fish and seafood in its latest round of counter-tariffs, the Canadian government reversed course and removed the entire category from the list.

Removing American aquaculture products from these counter-tariffs protects an important market for U.S.-grown seafood and avoids a costly new barrier to cross-border trade. For NAA members and U.S. aquaculture producers who rely on the Canadian market, this is very good news.

This is exactly the kind of policy outcome we want to see: one that recognizes the highly integrated nature of our industries and keeps markets open for U.S. farmers.

Read more from CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/seafood-removed-counter-tariffs-9.7322384

Finance Canada has removed fish and seafood products from a list of counter-tariffed items, just a day after the government initially hit back at the U.S. with retaliatory measures. For those in the industry, its a massive relief from measures many say could have had devastating consequences.