Just in: @SenBrianSchatz and @SenatorWicker introduced bipartisan legislation, the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025 (S.2586), which would advance the development of commercial-scale open ocean #aquaculture in U.S. federal waters. The bill would: 🐟 Establish an assessment program to evaluate commercial-scale demonstration projects. 🐟 Create a dedicated Office of Aquaculture at NOAA to coordinate federal permitting for U.S. aquaculture 🐟 Set clear timelines and establish a consolidated review process during the permitting approval process 🐟 Authorize grant funding to modernize working waterfront infrastructure in U.S. communities, including infrastructure that benefits both commercial fishing and aquaculture. 🐟 Invest in workforce training and curriculum to train the next generation of aquaculture professionals. The expansion of #openoceanaquaculture in America would increase domestic seafood production, create jobs, support coastal economies, and reduce our seafood trade deficit. Learn more: bit.ly/4m2je60