This is the first of three related articles exploring the issue of aquaculture in the US. This series was sparked by NOAA seeking comments on the US National Aquaculture Development Plan. The goal of the plan is to: strengthening U.S. commitment to food security, climate resilience, and the protection of threatened and endangered species.
The last plan was done 40 years ago!
US Aquaculture Could Feed the World
The National Aquaculture Development Plan draft recognizes that, aquaculture done right is good for our health, our environment and our communities. But we are lagging:
The USDA and NOAA are investing to expand US aquaculture. The range of investment in science, technology, and workforce development are compelling.
A challenge that really caught our attention is the recognition that the vast majority of seafood companies lack tools to compete globally. In part this is because ~90% of seafood companies (both wild-caught and aquaculture) are small or medium companies who can't afford to invest in current systems.
We see this every day.
Meanwhile consumers cite three key reasons that they do not consume more seafood.
All of these issues relate directly to the lack of tools in the seafood industry. Small firms reinventing the wheel and doing things manually increases expenses. A cumbersome system slows the movement of product while decreasing quality and raising food safety concerns.
The focus by USDA and NOAA on these important challenges is heartening. Our food security and the health of our rural waterfront communities relies on getting this right.
In our next series, we'll look at options for the industry and government to help.
Just an fyi: while some consolidation is likely we believe that there is a place for well-run small and mid-size businesses to thrive in this world. It is the mission of BlueTrace to make that a reality.