Promoting American Competition in Aquaculture Research Act

The Promoting American Competition in Aquaculture Research Act is a bill introduced in the 119th Congress to reauthorize and expand federal support for aquaculture research and related activities. It does two core things: (1) it reauthorizes funding for aquaculture assistance programs at $15 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and (2) it changes how indirect costs (overhead) are treated for aquaculture awards. Specifically, the bill removes a blanket prohibition on indirect costs for aquaculture assistance and sets a specific approach to indirect costs that aligns with existing rules in the Agricultural Research framework. In practical terms, the bill aims to make it easier for universities, research institutions, and other eligible entities to receive federal funds for aquaculture research by ensuring a dedicated funding stream and clarifying how overhead costs can be charged to those awards. The changes are intended to support domestic aquaculture research and improve U.S. competitiveness in the industry, with effects likely focused on research institutions, extension services, and industry partners.