Deadline to respond is May 1, 2024.

The bill will amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to allow American farmers to continue their sturgeon operations

The National Aquaculture Association recommends members reach out to their House member and Senators to ask that they co-sponsor the DRIVE Act. A House member wishing to co-sponsor HR 3039 can direct their staff to contact Sean McAndrews. Senators wishing to co-sponsor S. 2671 can direct their staff to contact: Matt Lloyd, Rachel Dumke, or Blake Kernen.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13) has asked House Republicans to join her in sponsoring a House companion bill to Senator Marco Rubio’s S.1614 Lacey Act Amendments of 2023.

Bipartisan support is essential to move aquaculture friendly legislation intended to strengthen the 2023 Farm Bill. The following three topics are attracting support across the aisle; however, more horsepower is needed for each set of bills (i.e., House and Senate companion legislation).

The Sustaining Healthy Ecosystems, Livelihoods, and Local Seafood (SHELLS) Act will create a program office for aquaculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to bolster shellfish harvesters and seaweed farmers, protect food security, and promote blue carbon ecosystems. The legislation is also led by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Angus King (I-ME).

Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to uplift and support aquaculture and aquaculture farmers and harvesters.

Led By: Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Kat Cammack (FL-03)

The legislation is not needed and would stop or severely impede import and interstate trade in live aquatic animals.

The USDA NIFA’s five Reginal Aquaculture Centers play a critical role in advancing aquaculture research for American producers throughout the country.

“To ensure the 2023 Farm Bill is as strong as it can possibly be, I encourage every Member of the U.S. House to convey the agriculture and nutrition priorities of their district using this innovative online portal.”