In May of 2020, the President signed an Executive Order promoting American seafood competitiveness and economic growth. This Executive Order was intended to propel the United States forward as a seafood superpower by strengthening the American economy; improving the competitiveness of American industry; ensuring food security; providing environmentally safe and sustainable seafood; supporting American workers; and ensuring coordinated a nd transparent federal actions. Specifically, the Execu tive Order called for the expansion of sustainable U.S. seafood production through:
The presentation will review the background scientific, trade, and economic data behind this EO and review progress to date. Notably incomplete are actions to release a Seafood Trade Strategy, where aquaculture could have played a significant role, and Section 8 of the EO which directed NOAA to post for public benefit a guidance document describing federal regulatory requirements and agencies. Posting this resource would provide significant assurances to the public t hat federal regulations are adequate and that recreational and commercial fishing communities’ voices are heard . Conclusions will be made that fully implementing the EO will help meet the Administration’s objectives for sustainable and equitable economic growth.