Aquaculture Opportunity Areas Request for Information

NOAA has directives to preserve ocean sustainability and facilitate domestic aquaculture in the U.S. through the National Aquaculture Act of 1980, the NOAA Marine Aquaculture Policy, and Executive Order 13921, “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth” (May 7, 2020). NOAA has a variety of proven science-based tools and strategies that can support these directives and help communities thoughtfully consider how and where to sustainably develop offshore aquaculture that will complement wild-capture fisheries, working waterfronts, and our nation’s seafood processing and distribution infrastructure.

Identifying Aquaculture Opportunity Areas is an opportunity to use best available global science-based guidance on sustainable aquaculture management, and support the “triple bottom line” of environmental, economic, and social sustainability. 

NOAA Fisheries invites public comment on two aspects of AOAs during a 60-day public comment period. The agency is requesting information on (1) specific areas to consider for the first two Aquaculture Opportunity Areas within the Gulf of Mexico and waters off Southern California; and (2) other areas NOAA should consider nationally for future Aquaculture Opportunity Areas.

Information on how to comment is available in the Federal Register notice