NOAA PLAN TO ENHANCE GROWTH OF U.S. AQUACULTURE

NOAA plan to enhance growth of U.S. aquaculture. NOAA has published its first-ever 5-Year Strategic Plan for Aquaculture in the USA to guide the agency’s work from 2023-2028. The Strategic Plan was developed by the NOAA Aquaculture Programme, which includes the NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research’s National Sea Grant Programme, and the National Ocean Service’s National Centres for Coastal Ocean Science.

“Through this plan, NOAA will support a thriving, resilient, and inclusive U.S. aquaculture industry as part of a competitive domestic seafood sector,” said NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit. “This plan will act as a framework to guide NOAA’s Aquaculture Programme, set priorities to achieve our mission, and support NOAA’s vision of healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies.”

The Strategic Plan articulates a vision for an industry that supports jobs, expands access to nutritious domestic seafood, and reinforces healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems in a changing environment. This is supported by the Programme’s mission of providing science, services, and policies that create conditions for opportunity and growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture.

Four Goals to Expand Sustainable Aquaculture

The Strategic Plan is designed to support collaboration and align goals and objectives across the NOAA Aquaculture Programme and with our partners. It includes the following components:

• Vision and Mission to guide our work
• Core Values to illustrate who we are and our philosophy as a programme
• Four key goals, which outline our top priorities over the next five years

Goal 1. Manage Sustainably and Efficiently

Improve the regulatory processes for sustainable coastal and marine aquaculture through collaboration with partners.

Goal 2. Lead Science for Sustainability

Use world-class science expertise to meet management and industry needs for a thriving seafood production sector and share this knowledge broadly.tegic Plan for Aquaculture

Goal 3. Educate and Exchange Information

Build awareness and support for coastal, marine, and Great Lakes aquaculture through two-way communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Goal 4. Support Economic Growth and Viability

Facilitate a robust aquaculture industry that thrives as a key component of a resilient seafood sector.

“Sustainable aquaculture encompasses the “triple bottom line” of economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility,” said David O’Brien, Acting Director of the Office of Aquaculture. “As the demand for seafood continues to increase, and climate change continues to pose a threat to food security, NOAA will continue supporting efforts to grow seafood on land, in coastal waters, and the open ocean in harmony with a healthy and resilient environment.”

NOAA’s Aquaculture Programme

The Strategic Plan was developed collaboratively by the NOAA Aquaculture Programme and the public. Input was sought through public listening sessions, and feedback was incorporated to ensure the plan reflects the needs of a diverse range of users and stakeholders. This is the first Strategic Plan developed by all three Line Offices in the NOAA Aquaculture Programme, highlighting the strong shared goal to support resilient U.S. aquaculture.

The NOAA Aquaculture Programme consists of:

• NOAA Fisheries Aquaculture
• National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Aquaculture
• NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture

“Our aquaculture team strives to advance sustainable aquaculture development in the United States through science, service, and stewardship. We will seek to provide ongoing opportunities for public input to ensure results that are community-driven,” said O’Brien.

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