U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on July 31 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would study the feasibility of open ocean aquaculture to meet the growing demand for fresh, American-raised seafood, create new job opportunities, and encourage investment in working waterfront communities.
“Aquaculture is an important part of Mississippi’s economic growth,” Sen. Wicker said. “Increasing seafood infrastructure at ports is necessary to have a thriving and sustainable industry.”
Sen. Wicker introduced the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025, S. 2586, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) to require the administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an assessment program for commercial-scale offshore aquaculture through demonstration projects.
For instance, the NOAA administrator would establish and study commercial-scale demonstration projects to answer scientific questions needed to safely and sustainably regulate offshore aquaculture in the United States; and commission a study and report to assess the environmental and regulatory viability of a United States offshore aquaculture industry.
The 59-page proposed S. 2586 also would establish Aquaculture Centers of Excellence, and support aquaculture workforce development and working waterfronts, according to the text of the bill.
“The Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act would cut red tape for job creators on the Gulf Coast and improve workforce development,” said Sen. Wicker. “This legislation would promote seafood production in the United States and would decrease American reliance on seafood imports.”
S. 2586 has garnered support from Kelly Lucas, vice president for research at the University of Southern Mississippi; Hunter Evans, chef and owner of Elvie’s restaurant in Jackson, Miss.; Neil Sims, founder and CEO of Ocean Era Inc. in Kona, Hawai’i; and Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of Stronger America Through Seafood.
“Offshore aquaculture can help meet growing seafood demand, support coastal economies, and reduce imports,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill will support the responsible assessment of offshore aquaculture by expanding research and supporting workforce and infrastructure development.”