Promoting American Competition in Aquaculture Research Act

Promoting American Competition in Aquaculture Research Act, introduced in the Senate by Senators Wicker and Hirono, would (1) reauthorize and fund aquaculture assistance programs under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, adding an annual authorization of $15 million for fiscal years 2025–2029; and (2) change how indirect costs (overhead) are treated for aquaculture awards. Specifically, it would (a) ensure continued support for aquaculture-related activities and (b) remove the prohibition on applying certain indirect-cost limitations to aquaculture awards, while preserving other indirect-cost rules. The overall goal is to strengthen domestic aquaculture research and increase American competitiveness in the sector. In practical terms, the bill would authorize new funding for aquaculture programs for five years and adjust the institutional cost-recovery rules tied to those awards, potentially increasing the total federal contribution to aquaculture research and development and allowing recipients to recover a broader share of administrative costs through indirect-cost charges.