Courtesy of the National Aquaculture Association (NAA), below are several key issues they are actively advancing on behalf of their members and the broader aquaculture industry. At the forefront is the development of the 2026 Farm Bill, which includes provisions that could significantly strengthen federal recognition and support for U.S. aquaculture. This update also covers emerging policy issues affecting live bait producers and oyster growers, along with highlights from the strong industry engagement seen at Aquaculture America 2026.

Farm Bill Update: Strong Provisions for U.S. Aquaculture

Congress is currently developing the next federal Farm Bill through the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, which includes several provisions aimed at strengthening aquaculture’s role within federal agriculture policy. Included within this 2026 bill is the Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood (SEAS) Act, originally introduced by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06) to improve federal support for aquaculture and seafood producers.

The NAA has been actively advocating on Capitol Hill to ensure aquaculture remains part of these critical policy discussions. The association is encouraged to see many of the priorities its members have long championed reflected in the legislation now under consideration.

Key focuses and provisions include:

• Fair Access to USDA Programs: A priority the NAA has consistently raised is ensuring producers receive consistent access to federal grants and assistance. The bill directs the USDA to ensure fair consideration for funding and requires additional agency training on aquaculture.
• Research and Risk Management: Provisions include expanded research for shellfish resilience, competitive grants for technologies that reduce pollution and fuel use, and a directive for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to develop insurance options for aquaculture products.
• Transparency and Coordination: The bill requires the USDA to report annually to Congress on seafood and aquaculture purchases and investments.
• Structural Support: The legislation directs the USDA to develop an Aquaculture Center of Excellence and proposes updates to the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to identify capital and regulatory barriers.
• Industry Guidance: A 14-member Aquaculture Advisory Committee would be established to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with industry guidance.

The NAA will continue working with policymakers to ensure the final legislation reflects the needs of aquaculture producers across the United States.

State Policy Watch: Protecting the Live Bait Fish Industry

The NAA is also monitoring state legislation that could impact aquaculture producers supplying live bait to recreational fishing markets. Specifically, New York Assembly Bill A03330 proposes prohibiting the importation of live bait fish into the state and establishing penalties for violations.

While this is currently the only active bill of its kind the NAA is tracking, similar proposals have surfaced in several states in recent years. The NAA has successfully pushed back against a number of these efforts and continues working with industry partners to ensure policy discussions are grounded in sound science and recognize the role of responsible aquaculture in supporting recreational fisheries.

Monitoring CDC Investigation Related to Oysters

The NAA continues to monitor the CDC’s investigation into a reported salmonella outbreak associated with raw oysters. Since the issue emerged in December, the NAA has been engaged with industry partners, regulators, and federal agencies to ensure the perspectives of shellfish growers are represented.

The association remains committed to ensuring that discussions related to public health and seafood safety are informed by a clear understanding of aquaculture production practices.

Aquaculture America 2026: Strong Engagement

Aquaculture America 2026 brought together producers, researchers, suppliers, and policymakers, and the NAA helped shape several well-attended sessions focused on the future of the industry.

• Federal Agency Updates: The NAA organized sessions featuring speakers from NOAA, the USDA, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding research, farm programs, and regulatory developments.
• “Pond to Policy” Track: This communications and advocacy track focused on strengthening the industry’s voice in public discussions.
• Expert Presentations: Maria Smithson, NAA’s Director of Membership & Marketing, presented two sessions on the power of PR in aquaculture and strategies for responding to anti-aquaculture activism using fact and science.

Record-Breaking Success at the NAA Annual Auction

A highlight of the event was the NAA Annual Auction, which proved to be the most successful in the association’s history. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the participation of bidders, the evening served as an energetic celebration of the aquaculture community while achieving record-breaking results.