Unlocking the potential of aquaculture in American waters
The Hill
by Reps. Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) and Ed Case (D-Hawaii), opinion contributorsFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act represents a significant step toward advancing open ocean aquaculture in the United States. This bipartisan legislation aims to boost seafood production, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imported seafood while fostering sustainable marine practices. By supporting research, innovation, and business development in aquaculture, the MARA Act seeks to expand American-raised seafood supply, strengthen domestic industries, and enhance food security.
The bill emphasizes open ocean aquaculture, which involves farming fish and shellfish in offshore waters. This approach has the potential to increase production efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. By investing in research and development, the MARA Act addresses key challenges such as resource management, technological advancements, and regulatory frameworks. These efforts are expected to unlock new economic opportunities for coastal communities, particularly in rural areas where job creation is a priority.
Politically, the MARA Act aligns with broader goals of reducing U.S. dependence on imported seafood, which currently accounts for over 80% of the nation’s consumption. By enhancing domestic production
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/24/2026