Press Releases

Today, Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS-04), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced the Marine Aquaculture Research and Advancement (MARA) Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill that empowers the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand offshore aquaculture in a sustainable, science-based, and environmentally responsible way.

As the global demand for seafood continues to rise, the MARA Act establishes a clear federal framework to help the United States become a leader in offshore aquaculture while protecting marine ecosystems and involving coastal communities in the process.

“The MARA Act ensures that as we grow our offshore aquaculture sector, we do it the right way with science, transparency, and public engagement at the center,” Ezell said. “This bill puts the U.S. on a path to food security, environmental stewardship, and coastal economic development. Offshore aquaculture, when done responsibly, holds enormous potential to feed more people, create jobs, and protect wild fisheries. The MARA Act gives us the tools to lead the world in sustainable seafood production.”

“America should be leading the world in responsible, sustainable seafood production, not outsourcing it," Cammack said. "The MARA Act will strengthen our food security, support our coastal communities, and ensure that growth in aquaculture off our shores happens the right way—with transparency, science, and accountability.”

“The Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act is a forward-looking, bipartisan step toward strengthening America’s seafood supply and coastal economies while ensuring ocean health remains a top priority," Maddie Voorhees, Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture, said. "We thank Representative Ezell for his leadership on this important legislation, which invests in the science and innovation needed to ensure U.S. aquaculture grows responsibly—supporting communities, creating jobs, and protecting our marine resources for the future.”

“We thank Reps. Ezell and Ed Case for their leadership in introducing the MARA Act in the U.S. House, legislation that is necessary to support the expansion of American aquaculture,” Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) said. “This bill is an important step forward as the U.S. seeks to increase the supply of sustainable seafood coming into U.S. ports. Open ocean aquaculture would work in complement with our nation’s wild fisheries to help increase America’s seafood supply, create jobs across the seafood supply chain, and spur investment in coastal communities.”

Key Provisions of the MARA Act of 2025:

• Expands Scientific Research: Directs NOAA to conduct and support research on sustainable offshore aquaculture practices and environmental impacts.

• Streamlines Permitting: Improves interagency coordination to develop an efficient, transparent permitting process grounded in science and stakeholder input.

• Invests in Workforce and Infrastructure: Supports training programs and infrastructure development to prepare America’s workforce for opportunities in this growing industry.

• Builds Guardrails for Responsible Growth: Emphasizes environmental stewardship, public engagement, and accountability throughout the development of offshore aquaculture projects.

The MARA Act is supported by a broad coalition of environmental organizations, aquaculture researchers, and industry stakeholders committed to building a sustainable future for America’s oceans and coastal communities.