An AOA is a defined geographic area that NOAA has evaluated through both spatial analysis and the programmatic National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and may be environmentally, socially, and economically appropriate to support multiple commercial aquaculture operations. Final suitability will be determined with project-specific details.
As part of NOAA’s commitment to prioritizing American seafood competitiveness, the agency has identified 13 Aquaculture Opportunity Areas totaling more than 21,000 acres in U.S. federal waters of the Gulf of America and off the coast of Southern California. These areas will strengthen the nation’s seafood industry, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and create high-quality American jobs.
This was a multi-year planning process through which we maximized the compatibility of AOAs with other ocean uses while maintaining our commitment to ocean stewardship and our marine resource conservation responsibilities. There were multiple opportunities for stakeholders and tribal communities to provide input to help shape our decisions throughout the process.
NOAA has worked extensively with our partners to seek public comment and engage with the public throughout the AOA identification process. This presentation will provide and overview of the engagement process, what feedback was received, and how this shapes NOAA’s efforts to identify AOAs.