NOAA Aquaculture Policies
 Aquaculture plays an increasingly important role in supplying the world's seafood, contributing more than half of all seafood eaten globally. (credit: FAO) |
For a list of current and historic |
 As part of the National Shellfish Initiative, partners are constructing a hatchery for Olympia oyster restoration at NOAA's Manchester Research Station at Port Orchard, WA. (credit: NOAA) |
The 2011 Department of Commerce and NOAA aquaculture policies as well as the National Ocean Policy provide federal guidance for marine aquaculture activities.
NOAA’s 2011 Aquaculture Policy specifies the goals, objectives, and priorities for all aquaculture-related activities at NOAA in the context of its marine stewardship mission. Appendix 1 of the policy establishes goals for NOAA’s regulatory actions with respect to aquaculture in federal waters of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and provides a list of principles and approaches that NOAA will take to achieve its goals.
- NOAA Aquaculture Policy - Summary of Statements of Policy and Policy Priorities
- Guidance for Federal Waters - Summary of Goals
- NOAA Aquaculture Policy (2011) - full text
- Link to press release and announcement of 2011 aquaculture policies
The Department of Commerce Aquaculture Policy specifies the goals, objectives, and priorities for all Department of Commerce bureaus, including NOAA, in the context of the Department’s overarching emphasis on jobs, the economy, innovation, and international competitiveness.
The National Ocean Policy specifies the President’s overarching goals, objectives, and priorities that provide a broader ocean policy context for NOAA’s aquaculture activities. Other Administration policies – such as those in support of job creation, economic development, innovation, food security, etc. – provide additional context for NOAA’s aquaculture activities. In 2013, the Administration specified seven interagency aquaculture directives aimed at improving the efficiency of aquaculture permitting, expanding shellfish farming and restoration, and spurring jobs and innovation. For more information, see the following available documents:
- Administration Fact Sheet on Aquaculture in the NOP Implementation Plan
- NOAA Fact Sheet on aquaculture directives in the NOP Implementation Plan
- National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan and Appendix
