The NOAA Aquaculture Strategic Plan (2023–2028) includes goals and objectives to sustainably develop the aquaculture industry in the United States. Credit: NOAA Aquaculture Program

NOAA has published its first-ever five year Strategic Plan for Aquaculture to guide the agency’s work from 2023–2028 to enhance the growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture. The Strategic Plan was developed by the NOAA Aquaculture Program, which includes the NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research’s National Sea Grant Program, and the National Ocean Service’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.

“Through this plan, NOAA will support a thriving, resilient, and inclusive U.S. aquaculture industry as part of a competitive domestic seafood sector,” said NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit. “This plan will act as a framework to guide NOAA’s Aquaculture Program, set priorities to achieve our mission, and support NOAA’s vision of healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies.”

The Strategic Plan articulates a vision for an industry that supports jobs, expands access to nutritious domestic seafood, and reinforces healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems in a changing environment. This is supported by the Program’s mission of providing science, services, and policies that create conditions for opportunity and growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture.

The Strategic Plan is designed to support collaboration and align goals and objectives across the NOAA Aquaculture Program and with our partners. It includes four key goals, which outline our top priorities over the next five years:

• Goal 1. Manage Sustainably and Efficiently – Improve the regulatory processes for sustainable coastal and marine aquaculture through collaboration with partners.
• Goal 2. Lead Science for Sustainability – Use world-class science expertise to meet management and industry needs for a thriving seafood production sector and share this knowledge broadly.
• Goal 3. Educate and Exchange Information – Build awareness and support for coastal, marine, and Great Lakes aquaculture through two-way communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.
• Goal 4. Support Economic Growth and Viability – Facilitate a robust aquaculture industry that thrives as a key component of a resilient seafood sector.

“Sustainable aquaculture encompasses the “triple bottom line” of economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility,” said David O’Brien, Acting Director of the Office of Aquaculture. “As the demand for seafood continues to increase, and climate change continues to pose a threat to food security, NOAA will continue supporting efforts to grow seafood on land, in coastal waters, and the open ocean in harmony with a healthy and resilient environment.”

The Strategic Plan was developed collaboratively by the NOAA Aquaculture Program and the public. Input was sought through public listening sessions, and feedback was incorporated to ensure the plan reflects the needs of a diverse range of users and stakeholders. This is the first Strategic Plan developed by all three Line Offices in the NOAA Aquaculture Program, highlighting the strong shared goal to support resilient U.S. aquaculture.

The NOAA Aquaculture Program consists of:

• NOAA Fisheries Aquaculture
• National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Aquaculture
• NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture

“Our aquaculture team strives to advance sustainable aquaculture development in the United States through science, service, and stewardship. We will seek to provide ongoing opportunities for public input to ensure results that are community-driven,” said O’Brien.