Due to a lapse in federal funding, this USDA website will not be actively updated.
Once funding has been reestablished, online operations will continue.
Several parts of the United States government regulate activities that impact aquaculture. A listing and description of each program is available and organized by Department below.
Interagency Working Group on Aquaculture
This 2014 catalog, developed in accordance with the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2801, et seq.), describes Federal programs and activities "that directly or indirectly encourage, support, or assist U.S. aquaculture." Prepared by the Interagency Working Group on Aquaculture (formerly the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture) under the National Science and Technology Council’s Life Sciences Subcommittee. Please note: Websites and/or programs may have changed. Conduct a web search for the Federal Government Agency and/or the aquaculture program name to locate current information on these programs.
United States Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture (JSA).
Provides program and service descriptions and Web links to the many Federal government agencies or organizations, documents and guidance with respect to aquaculture activities. Featured publications include Guide to Federal Aquaculture Programs and Services and Guide to Drug, Vaccine, and Pesticide Use in Aquaculture.
United States Department of Agriculture.
Describes USDA programs and publications on aquaculture research, available data and statistics, market trends and environmental management and monitoring systems. Links to aquaculture information contacts.
USDA. Agricultural Research Service.
Conducts high quality, relevant, basic and applied aquaculture research and technology transfer to further international competitiveness and sustainability of United States aquaculture. Locate laboratories, researchers, projects and research reports.
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Provides a broad range of cooperative programs for protecting the health of aquatic animals and plants. Addresses global trade, aquatic diseases, pest prevention, wildlife damage management and more.
USDA. National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Facilitates the coordination of federal programs in aquaculture. Fosters research and development in sustainable aquaculture production. Provides leadership and funding to NIFA partners for aquaculture research, technology development and Extension programs. NIFA initiatives support efforts that include "developing efficient, humane, and sustainable farms; enhancing the efficiency of aquaculture operations; ... integrating aquaculture with traditional practices of land-based agriculture and natural resources management;" and "providing alternative farming opportunities to our rural, urban, and coastal communities."
United States Department of Agriculture.
Reports on current U.S. aquaculture production, its history and industry and trade status. Describes and links to recent ERS reports and datasets. ERS "provides background, data, and analysis on the domestic aquaculture industry and U.S. trade in aquacultural products.".