The Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act to Improve Workforce and Industry Capacity

US Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, introduced the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025. The MARA Act would authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Aquaculture and establish commercial-scale demonstration projects. The projects would direct NOAA to permit offshore aquaculture, creating opportunities for the aquaculture industry to grow. It will also fund workforce development and Aquaculture Centers of Excellence to improve workforce and industry capacity.

“Aquaculture is an important part of Mississippi’s economic growth. The Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act would cut red tape for job creators on the Gulf Coast and improve workforce development. Increasing seafood infrastructure at ports is necessary to have a thriving and sustainable industry. This legislation would promote seafood production in the United States and would decrease American reliance on seafood imports,” said Senator Wicker.

“Offshore aquaculture can help meet growing seafood demand, support coastal economies, and reduce imports. Our bill will support the responsible assessment of offshore aquaculture by expanding research and supporting workforce and infrastructure development,” said Senator Schatz.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

latest edition
By translating complex ocean data into actionable strategies, the applied marine science community plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term resilience of coastal environments while bolstering the global Blue Economy.

got marine science news?

Send us your latest corporate news, blogs, or press releases

Search