Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act

The Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act (SEAS Act) aims to elevate the profile and support for aquaculture within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and to promote parity between aquaculture and traditional land-based animal agriculture. The bill would establish formal reporting requirements on USDA seafood purchases, grants, and research; create targeted programs and funding for aquaculture (including regional aquaculture centers and shellfish research); require internal education for USDA staff about aquaculture; and expand policy tools such as a crop insurance option for aquaculture products. It envisions greater access to USDA grants for aquaculture, stronger attention to processing capacity and domestic supply chains, and investment in new technology to reduce pollution and fuel use in the seafood and aquaculture sectors. In short, SEAS seeks to institutionalize equity for aquaculture in USDA programs, boost research and extension support, improve education and awareness within the department, and advance practical tools (like insurance) to help aquaculture producers succeed in the U.S. market.