Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would set up a USDA framework to advance equity, research, and financial support for U.S. aquaculture and the seafood industry. It defines aquaculture and the seafood industry and creates reporting, education, and funding paths meant to integrate seafood producers into existing USDA programs.
Show full summary
- Seafood and aquaculture producers would get equal consideration with land-based animal agriculture for USDA grants and assistance. The bill would require a comprehensive Department report within 1 year and annually through fiscal year 2028 on seafood and aquaculture expenditures, purchases, grants, and research.
- USDA staff and regional Farm Service Agency offices would get new aquaculture education. The bill mandates a department memorandum within 2 years and a biennial webinar or conference series starting within 2 years to clarify eligibility and support for seafood producers.
- Research and program money is expanded. It authorizes $30 million per year for regional aquaculture centers and $10 million per year for competitive aquaculture technology grants for FY2026–2030, expands shellfish research topics, and directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to develop an aquaculture insurance policy for the first reinsurance year after enactment.
*This bill would increase federal spending by authorizing $30 million per year for regional aquaculture centers and $10 million per year for aquaculture technology grants for FY2026–2030.*
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New funding for aquaculture research and tech
If enacted, this would add major funding for aquaculture. It would authorize $30 million each year from 2026–2030 for regional aquaculture centers, with no more than 15% for admin costs. It would also authorize $10 million each year from 2026–2030 for competitive grants to cut fuel use and pollution with better gear and tech. Colleges, regional aquaculture centers, federal R&D centers, and some nonprofits could apply. It would also add aquaculture and shellfish survival topics to a key USDA research program so more projects could get grants.
Crop insurance for aquaculture producers
If passed, the bill would require a new crop insurance policy for aquaculture products. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation would develop it and have it in place for the first reinsurance year after the bill becomes law. Once available, fish, shellfish, and other aquaculture producers could buy insurance to manage risk.
USDA training and fair access for aquaculture
If enacted, USDA would have to treat aquaculture producers the same as animal agriculture for grants and aid. USDA staff would get training, a department memo would go out within 2 years, and webinars would run every 2 years starting within 2 years. USDA would file yearly spending reports through 2028 and a full evaluation within 2 years. The bill would also define who counts as aquaculture and seafood producers, so people can see if they qualify.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3]
FL • R
Sponsored 8/5/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govTake It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in