The latest Republican-led draft of the Farm Bill seeks to formally integrate aquaculture into the USDA’s framework by creating a specialized advisory committee. Drawing inspiration from the 2023 SHELLS Act, the council would be responsible for developing industry best practices, identifying regulatory barriers, and providing technical expertise to help domestic farmers reach their full potential. This proposal follows years of advocacy from the seafood sector, which has long argued for equal treatment alongside traditional land-based livestock and crop programs.