119 HR 9673 IH: Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act of 2026
U.S. House of Representatives
2026-07-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
1.Short title; table of contents
(a)This Act may be cited as the Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act of 2026
or the MARA Act of 2026
. (b)The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Purposes.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I—Office of Aquaculture
Sec. 101. Office of Aquaculture.
TITLE II—Commercial-scale demonstration projects
Sec. 201. Assessment program for offshore aquaculture.
Sec. 202. Permits for demonstration projects for offshore aquaculture facilities.
Sec. 203. Coordination of permit reviews for demonstration projects.
Sec. 204. Reporting by assessment program participants.
Sec. 205. Rule of construction; savings provisions.
TITLE III—Workforce development, financing, and other support
Sec. 301. General support for industry.
Sec. 302. Aquaculture Centers of Excellence.
TITLE IV—Studies and reports
Sec. 401. Study on offshore aquaculture by Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Sec. 402. Report on offshore aquaculture by Government Accountability Office.
2.The purposes of this Act are— (1)to authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish and study commercial-scale demonstration projects to answer scientific questions needed to safely and sustainably regulate offshore aquaculture in the United States;
(2)to commission a study and report to assess the environmental and regulatory viability of a United States offshore aquaculture industry; (3)to support aquaculture workforce development and working waterfronts by creating new jobs and to support existing jobs and businesses within the seafood industry of the United States, including jobs and businesses for traditional participants in the fishing industry;
(4)to establish Aquaculture Centers of Excellence to meet the needs of the growing domestic sustainable aquaculture industry; (5)to reduce the United States seafood trade deficit by expanding the domestic supply of seafood through the production of sustainable offshore aquaculture; and
(6)to support the development of offshore aquaculture in a manner that minimizes conflicts with existing recreational and commercial fishing access and uses. 3.In this Act:
(1)The term Administration means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2)The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Administration.
(3)Appropriate committees of CongressThe term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A)the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and
(B)the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. (4)The term aquaculture—
(A)means any activity involved in the propagation, rearing, or attempted propagation or rearing, of cultured species, including the capture of wild individuals for rearing as broodstock; and (B)does not include the practice of—
(i)capturing juvenile finfish to rear to maturity in an aquaculture facility for subsequent commercial sale, commonly referred to as ranching; or (ii)rearing and releasing cultured species for the purpose of enhancing wild populations.
(5)The term aquaculture stakeholder means— (A)an owner or operator of an offshore aquaculture facility or a land or coastal-based facility supporting offshore operation, including hatcheries and nurseries;
(B)a Regional Fishery Management Council established under section 302(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(a)); (C)an interstate fisheries commission;
(D)a conservation organization; (E)a fisheries association;
(F)a State or county government; (G)an Indian Tribe;
(H)a Native Hawaiian organization; (I)a Native Hawaiian community;
(J)a Tribal or Indigenous community; (K)a Federal or State agency with interests in aquaculture; or
(L)any other interested party. (6)The term coastal State has the meaning given the term coastal state in section 304(4) of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453(4)).
(7)The term cultured species— (A)means any species propagated and reared for marine aquaculture;
(B)includes marine shellfish species intended for propagation that self-recruit to aquaculture structures in the offshore environment; and (C)excludes any member of the class Aves, Reptilia, or Mammalia.
(8)The term escape means the escape of juvenile- or adult-farmed organisms or fertilized eggs spawned by cultured species from offshore aquaculture facilities or land or coastal-based hatcheries, nurseries, or associated facilities. (9) (A)Unless otherwise specified by the President in the public interest in a writing published in the Federal Register, the term exclusive economic zone means a zone, the outer boundary of which—
(i)except as provided by clause (ii), is 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured; or (ii) (I)if an applicable maritime boundary treaty is in force or is being provisionally applied by the United States, is established by that treaty; or
(II)in the absence of such a treaty and in a case in which the distance between the United States and another country is less than 400 nautical miles, is a line equidistant between the United States and the other country. (B)Without affecting any Presidential proclamation with regard to the establishment of the United States territorial sea or exclusive economic zone, the inner boundary of the exclusive economic zone is—
(i)in the case of the coastal States, a line coterminous with the seaward boundary of each such State, as described in section 4 of the Submerged Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1312); (ii)in the case of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a line 9 nautical miles from the coastline of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(iii)in the case of American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, or Guam, a line 3 geographic miles from the coastlines of American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, or Guam, respectively; or (iv)in the case of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—
(I)the coastline of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, until the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is granted authority by the United States to regulate all fishing to a line seaward of its coastline; and (II)upon the United States grant of such authority, the line established by such grant of authority.
(C)Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to diminish the authority of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Interior, or any other Federal agency. (10)The term fishery stakeholders means—
(A)subsistence fishery participants and their dependents; (B)commercial fishermen;
(C)seafood processing and distribution workers; (D)recreational fishery participants;
(E)Tribal fisheries; and (F)territorial fishing communities, including such communities in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.
(11)Genetically modified organism; genetically modifiedThe terms genetically modified organism and genetically modified mean any organism whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered using technology in a way that does not occur naturally by conventional breeding or natural processes and results in permanent, heritable changes, with the exception of sterilization. (12)The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(13)Institution of higher educationThe term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (14)Native Hawaiian communityThe term Native Hawaiian community means the distinct Native Hawaiian indigenous political community that Congress, exercising its plenary power over Native American affairs, has recognized and with which Congress has implemented a special political and trust relationship.
(15)Native Hawaiian organizationThe term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given that term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) and includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. (16)National sea grant college programThe term national sea grant college program means the program maintained under section 204(a) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(a)).
(17)The term offshore aquaculture means aquaculture conducted in the exclusive economic zone. (18)Offshore aquaculture facilityThe term offshore aquaculture facility means—
(A)an installation or structure used, in whole or in part, for offshore aquaculture; or (B)an area of the seabed or water column used for offshore aquaculture.
(19)The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and any other Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States. (20)The term Tribal land means land that is subject to the jurisdiction of an Indian Tribe.
(21)Tribal or Indigenous communityThe term Tribal or Indigenous community means a population of people who are— (A)enrolled members of an Indian Tribe;
(B)members of an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community or organization; or (C)members of any other community of Indigenous people located in a State.
<enum>I</enum><header>Office of Aquaculture</header>
<section id="H58F9DAA0A8424FF2908DD1485EFB103C"><enum>101.</enum><header>Office of Aquaculture</header>
<subsection id="H8E92F5AAF5224DBD8F050C08150C1F04"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>There is established within the headquarters of the National Marine Fisheries Service of the Administration the Office of Aquaculture (in this section referred to as the <quote>Office</quote>).</text></subsection> <subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H26F02FC5A71842FC8EB25D69E23CF382"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Resources</header><text>The Administrator shall ensure the Office is provided with sufficient resources to carry out the duties of the Office under subsection (d), subject to available appropriations.</text></subsection>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8A5C194F0A9345B9A0E6C75003771A59"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Representation at regional fisheries offices</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5B5A92420B8F4E54A7AB7B2656EAF896"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Administrator shall provide for representation of the Office in each of the regional fisheries offices of the Administration.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB676C052127F4F6A89EE14F6DD28B6BB"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Minimum presence</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H181FA959B5514312AAB046BDA95BC9A8"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">shall provide for the placement of at least one regional aquaculture coordinator from the Office in each regional fisheries office;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC3789A48D9C145588DCAEA5DB118DF33"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">shall otherwise ensure that the representation of the Office at a regional fisheries office is, at a minimum, sufficient to permit the Office to fulfill the duties of the Office under subsection (d); and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC552F170338F4B97AF4CD1B2B97F0156"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">may increase that representation to the extent warranted by the activity and interest of aquaculture stakeholders in the region.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection commented="no" id="H1F17ED712EA147448D08324433A7960C"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Duties</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Office shall—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="H25B3E2469DBA429BAF996FBE589C2540"><enum>(1)</enum><text>coordinate the implementation of this Act, including administration of—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H258D7DD9D842474AA8CA6708940DB1FA"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the offshore aquaculture assessment program established under section 201; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6608999666C3478080A275E59C2F550D"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the issuance of permits under section 202;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" id="H174E25462CAF4017950086A7D73BE8B2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>coordinate regulatory, scientific, outreach, and international issues related to aquaculture within the Administration;</text></paragraph>
<paragraph commented="no" id="HA7E9386D9AD64DE4B2D6423A5C7CEDCC"><enum>(3)</enum><text>collaborate with and leverage existing efforts by the Administrator—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H29E687D2976D4343A0C83D4931A69E2F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to conduct outreach, education, extension services, and training efforts for aquaculture and offshore aquaculture; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="H6273E4B5A5584E74970D944A485C4EA3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to engage with aquaculture stakeholders and, periodically, convene conferences or workshops for aquaculture stakeholders to exchange information and ideas;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" id="HE25BADC26766483E988C8867B766171E"><enum>(4)</enum><text>develop recommendations for best management practices for offshore aquaculture operations that, at a minimum—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="HD320418D5A3C46529E3AE14B7CBAACDA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>encourage development of offshore aquaculture in a manner that complies with environmental law;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H9A7FE9D130E6465A88DB664F768DAEDB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>are based on the best scientific information available;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="H7E3578ED86DC4FA4874D37A952B572AA"><enum>(C)</enum><text>take into account traditional knowledge of Tribal and Indigenous communities as appropriate to the region;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H09E1B3A912C74991B1D9FC3752CA6319"><enum>(D)</enum><text>are adaptive to offshore aquaculture developments, such as updates in technology and different environmental conditions;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="HCCDFA497D9FD46ABB4B352CC9F5F7273"><enum>(E)</enum><text>prefer species that are native or historically naturalized to the region;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H7F1D59CAED03451F9D7A5D7295DF1E02"><enum>(F)</enum><text>evaluate and, where appropriate, incorporate practices that reduce reliance on wild-caught marine forage in aquaculture feeds, consistent with best available science and the availability of sustainable alternatives; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="HD292B60C931044A2B6D03B23B57DEA74"><enum>(G)</enum><text>prioritize the health of cultured species;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" id="HE24F8F5E5AB54F169337272F2A6E5E76"><enum>(5)</enum><text>coordinate and conduct additional research to support the development of sustainable offshore aquaculture;</text></paragraph>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H06D33029267A4BD6AA20A847481B2298"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">administer support for industry under section 301;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H14BB927BEAF24358B552B8DBD9C5B8BB"><enum>(7)</enum><text>administer the Aquaculture Centers of Excellence under section 302;</text></paragraph>
<paragraph commented="no" id="HAAFE0568B4C4413286FF6EF626C86521"><enum>(8)</enum><text>administer the contract to conduct the study described in section 401; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H085BFE8255E54BDC9047500683CCC479"><enum>(9)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">coordinate the engagement of the Administration with the Comptroller General of the United States as the Comptroller General prepares the report required by section 402.</text></paragraph></subsection>
<subsection id="H24EEEF9B554841528E7BB13AA7FE3A86" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Agreements with States</header>
<paragraph id="H74DE002208BC4099BBA8CCB0906F3CD0" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Upon request of the Governor of a coastal State, the Administrator may enter into an agreement with the State to allow the State, and aquaculture stakeholders in the State as appropriate, to participate in activities authorized under sections 201 and 203 and titles III and IV with respect to aquaculture operations located in State waters that—</text> <subparagraph id="H7D5F2D9AFEFA4343B088EB8FFE118E13" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>are directly exposed to open ocean conditions; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H521447169C5B47BE92A06CF5D5FC6DCF" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>possess oceanographic or bathymetric characteristics substantially similar to offshore waters of the exclusive economic zone.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6CA30F167F63461E85C0C44E7F9C6885" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>An agreement entered into under this subsection shall not be construed to subject aquaculture operations in State waters to permitting or regulatory requirements applicable exclusively to offshore aquaculture in the exclusive economic zone, unless expressly provided in such agreement and authorized under applicable State law.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H49039EDF2B51432C961A5D5544C61C04" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Rule of construction</header><text>Nothing in this subsection or in any agreement entered into under this subsection shall be construed to displace, supersede, or diminish the authority of a coastal State to regulate aquaculture within its waters or the authority of the Administrator under otherwise applicable law.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H440943C8B018496398D54333B657637C"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Budget request</header><text>The Administrator shall include, in the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a request for funding for the Office as a separate line item with the National Marine Fisheries Service.</text></subsection></section>
<enum>II</enum><header>Commercial-scale demonstration projects</header>
<section id="HFE3938C4177F4142AB9A41A2C1CF9CC5"><enum>201.</enum><header>Assessment program for offshore aquaculture</header>
<subsection id="HB5E60AB0CD0F41CCACDD1F50F8813B11"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of program</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an assessment program (in this section referred to as the <quote>assessment program</quote>) with the objective of assessing the viability of offshore aquaculture—</text> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6BEA2F5005374DFD970E02465B13D6D5"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in light of changing circumstances and advances in technology; and</text></paragraph>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA4D7737CD6AA4026A95472E86049A271"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">using the best available science, information from aquaculture stakeholders, and information developed from demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section 202.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HA4F232D3A51540E69D6DC7F8E1C66415"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>At a minimum, the assessment program shall examine the following in order to determine the viability of offshore aquaculture:</text>
<paragraph id="H479F82E5FB4A4F67950DA4312822C9FE"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The ability of different commercial-scale facility designs and operational methods—</text> <subparagraph id="H85726160D9BC4290B5D4D07F7179B52D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to survive various atmospheric and ocean conditions, including high wind speeds or high-energy ocean conditions associated with severe weather, or tidal or tsunami activity, while preventing, to the extent possible—</text>
<clause id="HA856EC5D28494B009D3BD1BD0FA89E6C"><enum>(i)</enum><text>escapes;</text></clause> <clause id="HDECC0DDEC0264A7EA134214D885DA395"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>loss of or damage to infrastructure; or</text></clause>
<clause id="H78FB3AAA70094B99AE20EC379FF5DD38"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>wildlife entanglement resulting from loss or damaged infrastructure;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5D918E8414624BEFA4AC9521198B1F25"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to prevent, to the extent possible, entanglements of large whales, sea turtles, and other species protected under—</text>
<clause id="H9B6739D7B28C4EA2A695FCAC7A475A99"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1531">16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.</external-xref>); and</text></clause> <clause id="HF932E75A441F473488661ECC9403576E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1361">16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.</external-xref>);</text></clause></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H4750CB66B35A45CA885375F266544816"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to prevent, to the extent possible, adverse impacts on the marine environment, including impacts to habitat, water chemistry, and wildlife; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC675CB03767F4725A44A1BABD63D544E"><enum>(D)</enum><text>to comply with the requirements of the United States Coast Guard and United States Army Corps of Engineers in preventing adverse impacts on navigation and safety to existing ocean users due to offshore aquaculture facilities, including requirements for operations, navigation, and transit associated with such facilities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H4969D3C6627C45369E9E181600AA1DE5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The ability of different technologies to provide reliable and timely data on offshore aquaculture facilities, including visual data and other relevant data types, on a regular basis to enable the Administrator to monitor—</text> <subparagraph id="HFD1FA61FB9AF49A3BE13C68624F8F381"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the compliance of demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section 202 with the requirements under subsection (b) of such section;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HA14C15B7747749BB9B52B0F36867C340"><enum>(B)</enum><text>impacts on the marine environment; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H78B7E2881BDD4D538DFB6D5E22E58B2F"><enum>(C)</enum><text>interference with existing uses of the water bodies in which demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section 202 are located.</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H49E4ABA4FC864DA49E7643A9DFA3880C"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The relative risks, benefits, and costs of various types of offshore aquaculture, including different cultured species, in different geographies and under varying environmental conditions.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection commented="no" id="HB7170B8580B048389CA3D347B0FF71BC"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Report required</header><text>Not later than 5 years after the date on which the Administrator establishes the assessment program, the Administrator shall publish, make available to the public, and submit to the National Academy of Sciences and the Comptroller General of the United States, a report that includes the following:</text>
<paragraph id="H4793C70B0BC9455ABEA1287D514B680E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>A description of each demonstration project for which a permit is issued under section 202, including documentation supporting the issuance of the permit and summary of information submitted to the Administrator for each demonstration project.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBB89D916B5B04366B3CA127E9289BD0C"><enum>(2)</enum><text>A description of the progress made toward meeting the objective described in subsection (a).</text></paragraph></subsection>
<subsection id="H80CDCAC4D9144D42AA36FD2142CC7E23"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Rule of construction</header><text>Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the development of new assessment frameworks where existing ecosystem-based assessment tools of the Administrator, including Integrated Ecosystem Assessments, are sufficient to meet the requirements of the assessment program under this section.</text></subsection></section> <section id="HF8C177178A8E407D920E9A811ACB6C85"><enum>202.</enum><header>Permits for demonstration projects for offshore aquaculture facilities</header> <subsection id="H0EAD3BE900ED4F1D82E8798C6EDC5FD3"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Issuance of permits</header><text>After the Administrator establishes the assessment program under section 201, the Administrator shall issue permits for commercial-scale demonstration projects for proposed offshore aquaculture facilities in furtherance of the assessment program.</text></subsection>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H12892B68172D4E9BA9A876722B2D115C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Eligibility requirements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To be eligible for the issuance of a permit under subsection (a), a demonstration project is required to—</text> <paragraph id="H2C5FEDB11D73422792E6D1C4824EEC77"><enum>(1)</enum><text>advance the objective described in section 201(a);</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HBDC0E2376C0943CFB072FF03CFB304F7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>cultivate only native or historically naturalized species that pose a minimal threat of harm to wildlife and the ecosystem in which the project is located;</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2CE4D27B1143441087B91A771DA89494"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ensure that there will be no intentional culture, propagation, or release of genetically modified organisms if such organisms present a material risk of harmful ecological, genetic, or disease impacts that is greater than such risk associated with conventional stock;</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HA36E003B7F524B5CA8235DF96739F38C"><enum>(4)</enum><text>incorporate design and operational practices that minimize the risk of escape, adverse wildlife impacts (including entanglement), adverse impacts to navigation, and adverse pollution impacts;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFF58CDEDA7FC4DD4BDFBAF08596F415B"><enum>(5)</enum><text>develop an escape response and infrastructure loss or damage plan that minimizes the impact of any escapes or infrastructure loss or damage on the marine environment, including wild populations and fishery resources, and on other uses of the water body in which the project is located;</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H60562792FF074EB4BDA95EACE30B8C0A"><enum>(6)</enum><text>comply with all applicable requirements, including—</text> <subparagraph id="H1F568F5894BC45DB84119F557F308631"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/33/1251">33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.</external-xref>) (commonly referred to as the <quote>Clean Water Act</quote>);</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HBBAC9EF078234757935CD2A38485EB24"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1531">16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.</external-xref>);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6B0FC85A91F742F2B853CFF5587CC34F"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1361">16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.</external-xref>); and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HDFB5CE68B49E49C9BF69CA7846505A0E"><enum>(D)</enum><text>the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.</external-xref>);</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA8A54ADE5DF54CD694C95C9176144D6A"><enum>(7)</enum><text>maximize compatibility with, and prevent or minimize displacement of, existing uses and users of the marine environment in the near vicinity of where the project is located; and</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HF76CA32D374540F19DC7DD246ABC3D4A"><enum>(8)</enum><text>conform to best practices to minimize the use of therapeutants and pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, and minimize the release of such substances into the environment.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HD66F8E63E3D3407C830E412ED2621C6A"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Authorized activities</header><text>A person that holds a permit for a demonstration project issued under subsection (a) may conduct offshore aquaculture for commercial sale consistent with this Act, including regulations promulgated by the Administrator to carry out this Act.</text></subsection>
<subsection id="HF24BCE42829D450B996CF0983D53C9C6"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Applications</header><text>A person seeking a permit for a demonstration project shall submit to the Administrator an application that specifies—</text> <paragraph id="H58AFFBBE98F44CC084799561E0A0F81D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the proposed location of the offshore aquaculture facility and the location of on-shore facilities used for propagation or rearing of cultured species, such as hatcheries, nurseries, or research operations;</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H4B3C896D940C49CAAB1D71CE7B755039"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the proposed type of aquaculture gear that will be used at facilities described in paragraph (1);</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6A4EB1DAA16E4838BE8867F2BFD67F6B"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the cultured species to be propagated or reared, or both, at the offshore aquaculture facility;</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HB9C52E529DAC4823BA3654D593EAB9EB"><enum>(4)</enum>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H04AC0E7FF78C43DCA3C3E8D99426ECE7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the source of eggs, larvae, or juvenile cultured species that will be used in offshore aquaculture operations;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H54BB37E06EC346F98CD235956B0742A3" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>an analysis of the likely ecosystem impacts of such operations, such as the risk of escapes, adverse wildlife impacts, risk of pollution, and spread of pathogens; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" indent="up1" id="HF62FB5DF51B94B4981795897A9D6DE7B"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the information upon which the analysis was based;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8119545DFC014632BAC588A56B820DD3"><enum>(5)</enum><text>plans to respond to—</text>
<subparagraph id="H69B398775B8D467097D617929F6EF176"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a natural disaster;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H15366EEFFB6544B185083E3C54EDBA62"><enum>(B)</enum><text>an escape;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H1F3176B25CEF4DA5861EC3E3544C7D16"><enum>(C)</enum><text>disease;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9C426E73D06245868BD47417D5BFD0AE"><enum>(D)</enum><text>loss or damage to infrastructure;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H3C3E81269FB043E696B784DF70DF37A4"><enum>(E)</enum><text>entanglements; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H25E895EE9E45442F8416A95725510DA9"><enum>(F)</enum><text>other circumstances designated by the Administrator; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HEF55105AF0A34EF0868719A9BFDDFA6B"><enum>(6)</enum><text>such other design, construction, and operational information as the Administrator may require to ensure the integrity of the operations and contingency planning.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H6B17251C5A0C47E7AAE63CBDBFA59E98"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Notice, public comment, and recommendations</header> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H85B56DBE8A4A4CBFAC8DE7A0BB013064"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after receiving an application under this section, the Administrator shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="H13F73604391D4D08942690FC67DB5F75"><enum>(A)</enum><text>conduct a preliminary review to determine whether the application is complete and complies with the requirements of this Act and other applicable Federal law;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB320309674AB40CFB9D84A4425B2BA96"><enum>(B)</enum><text>for each application that the Administrator has determined is incomplete or does not comply with the requirements of this Act and other applicable Federal law, provide to the applicant a notice that specifies modifications to the application and the opportunity for resubmission;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H94924F66A8B24163AAAA2443151E5565"><enum>(C)</enum><text>for each complete application that the Administrator has determined complies with the requirements of this Act and other applicable Federal law under subparagraph (A), publish in the Federal Register, and provide to the Governor or Tribal leader of each specially affected coastal jurisdiction, the application; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF06C3B7ACF984743A5674CF56B8A40C2"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for a period of 60 days, invite and consider all public comments, and recommendations to modify the application or to deny the permit from any Governor or Tribal leader of a specially affected coastal jurisdiction designated under this subsection, on applications for permits described in subparagraph (C).</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H428E063C39CE4C6C90B035FCB3CB3CB4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Specially affected coastal jurisdiction</header><text>In this subsection, the term <term>specially affected coastal jurisdiction</term> means any coastal State or Indian Tribe—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H663A09BD4A284B23854168D097990798"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the land, Tribal land, or waters of which—</text>
<clause id="H3706684FB8F645F6BED98C243F0400AE"><enum>(i)</enum><text>are adjacent to the Federal waters in which the project will be conducted; and</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0D1F0549BE594B1BAA9E84966CE9291E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>are used, or are scheduled to be used, as a support base for the project; and</text></clause></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7B6425F763234CD8BCFEB790376F6079"><enum>(B)</enum><text>for which there is a reasonable probability of significant effect on uses of land, Tribal land, or water from the project.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4B22479AD66B44CAB8660466E21A7266"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Designation of a specially affected coastal jurisdiction</header><text>The Administrator shall establish a mechanism for identifying and designating, with respect to each application for a demonstration project received under this section, the adjacent specially affected coastal jurisdiction or jurisdictions.</text></paragraph></subsection>
<subsection id="HFA76A317A0B245E7B8E58EDF5EC55384"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Priority consideration</header><text>In considering applications for permits for demonstration projects under this section, the Administrator shall give priority consideration to applications for demonstration projects—</text> <paragraph id="HA4289407AF17486CB7C6C5746513EAB1"><enum>(1)</enum><text>owned or operated by applicants who can demonstrate that the demonstration project will directly benefit individuals who are already participating in the agricultural, wild-caught fishery, or aquaculture industries who have been negatively impacted by the COVID–19 pandemic, natural disasters, or major disasters declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/5170">42 U.S.C. 5170</external-xref>); or</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H34B73CBE5B8F4456AAC6F0764A73030A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>sited within an Aquaculture Opportunity Area identified by the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with section 7 of Executive Order 13921 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1801">16 U.S.C. 1801</external-xref> note; relating to promoting American seafood competitiveness and economic growth).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HE3A1044CA03B47C6B951683E7DB5F2AE"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Socioeconomic data</header><text>In considering applications for permits for demonstration projects under this section, and to support the study described in section 401, the report required by section 402, and the assessment program established under section 201, the Administrator shall collect quantitative and qualitative socioeconomic data associated with the owner or operator of, and communities employed or otherwise affected by, each demonstration project.</text></subsection>
<subsection id="HEE9CB2482288423CBA8AC30B9B3FDCC9"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Decisions with respect to issuance, deferral, or denial</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H248FEF5BE6004BDBB448AFAB7E4577E5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the period for public comments under subsection (e) with respect to an application for a permit for a demonstration project under this section, the Administrator shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H966E89817AD7442E92E1CD824C68C26A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>issue the permit, if the Administrator determines the application complies with the requirements of this Act and other applicable law;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H044B850D88E64117A86E5DA0AB1B55E5"><enum>(B)</enum><text>if the Administrator determines that the application does not comply with the requirements of this Act and other applicable law, or if the Administrator approves recommendations for modifications under subsection (e), and the application can be modified to comply with those requirements—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8BD38AB1ACCE4E4BAFE0E4EB10A3F28A"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">defer the decision on the permit; and</text></clause>
<clause id="H149DA0EFF9554D88A744A6600234ED7E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provide to the applicant a notice that specifies modifications to the proposed demonstration project needed for a permit to be issued and a timeline for resubmission and additional agency review; or</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9CE72067ABAC42B29A6E257E01E38B06"><enum>(C)</enum><text>if the Administrator determines that the application does not comply with the requirements of this Act and other applicable law, and that the application cannot be modified to comply with such requirements, or if the Administrator has approved a recommendation to deny the permit under subsection (e), deny the permit and provide a justification for the denial.</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3FA05FBFBD3B416A823A80051751BBB8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Other approval</header>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H26846D3D0CD74085960DF4C0ECA137E2"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An application for a permit for a demonstration project under this section shall be considered approved, as if a permit for the application had been issued under paragraph (1)(A), if—</text> <clause id="HDFA6270CD4BE4FD3A8CD84B42A911CF5"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the Administrator has determined under subsection (e)(1)(A) that the application is complete and complies with the requirements of this Act and all other applicable Federal law;</text></clause>
<clause id="H2B98980D3336410C9F0B21A9409DF935"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the period for public comments under subsection (e)(1)(D) has ended;</text></clause> <clause id="HFE9CE04C4FCD43A1AC7849E437E82D9A"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>no recommendation for modifying the application or denying the permit has been received under subsection (e)(1)(D); and</text></clause>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD110533B5BEA4D13B96D5B67BF2715C6"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Administrator does not take action under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1) before the date that is 90 days after the conclusion of the period for public comments under subsection (e)(1)(D) with respect to the application.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0C3777B62F4F4B8E9234D701BFB69454"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Process</header><text>The Administrator shall establish a process for the approval of applications under this paragraph.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection>
<subsection id="H47DB6BDCDD3D4F689F6691DA32C08CC4"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Effective period</header><text>A permit for a demonstration project issued under this section—</text> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H23E0D7D57B40405B91FDCCE74C679EEB"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">shall be in effect during the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the project begins in-water operations; and</text></paragraph>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8EA8BCE31B0D4A75A81A185CF0BED4BB"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">may be renewed as provided by subsection (j).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HFB41B41799F442FDA94DD284B018DB5D"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Renewal</header> <paragraph id="HEEB93C4A716A4EFE94B2B8D2A686BFDD"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator may renew a permit, that has not been revoked, for a demonstration project issued under this section for an additional 10-year period after the 10-year period described in subsection (i)(1) if—</text>
<subparagraph id="HC936DD0108F84817B4E0F2355141DB07"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the owner or operator of the project submits to the Administrator a proposal for renewal of the permit by a date determined by the Administrator; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H02B1F5BE1BD840DB8E43FFB1E3E190D8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Administrator determines that the permit, as modified by the proposal, remains in compliance with the requirements described in subsection (b)(1).</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H11576318128044E6AAFD925AF3CDFDD0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Notice and public comment</header><text>The Administrator shall—</text> <subparagraph id="HC17EC09B6161460F9D4AF2EFFA46B7B7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>publish in the Federal Register a notice summarizing each proposal received under paragraph (1) with respect to the renewal of a permit;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H76B9EC174C1D41B5B2862B88FA54C26B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>invite public comments for a period of not less than 60 days regarding each such proposal; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8FCC201F2F124B1A9E52B98C7F378DA0"><enum>(C)</enum><text>consider such comments in determining whether to approve the renewal of the permit.</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph commented="no" id="H716B278939FD43CFAC00C014F535CC30"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Renewal determination</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the period for public comments under subsection (e) with respect to an application for a renewal permit for a demonstration project under this section, the Administrator shall—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H87A474DD5237481AAE6DA66553847B01"><enum>(A)</enum><text>issue the renewal permit, if the Administrator determines the application complies with the requirements of this Act and other applicable law;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="H1E63085F13E14D5FAC6EDA4D690F2B50"><enum>(B)</enum><text>if the Administrator determines that the application does not comply with the requirements described in subparagraph (A), and the application can be modified to comply with those requirements—</text> <clause commented="no" id="H99E4E9A38AB9458C940E5BFD5E6C6B99"><enum>(i)</enum><text>defer the decision on the renewal permit; and</text></clause>
<clause commented="no" id="HBFF450CB0D654CEF808F0C959D9CEB09"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provide to the applicant a notice that specifies modifications to the proposed demonstration project needed for a permit to be issued and a timeline for resubmission and additional agency review; or</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H16FBD0D2EEF54E76AA70FE765BD0D673"><enum>(C)</enum><text>if the Administrator determines that the application does not comply with the requirements described in subparagraph (A) and that the application cannot be modified to comply with such requirements, deny the permit and provide a justification for the denial.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection>
<subsection id="HB974A1D41E4F483388D888BCE8A2C8D0">
<enum>(k)</enum>
<header>Authority To modify or terminate participation of demonstration projects and order
removal of facilities</header>
<text>The Administrator may require modifications to a demonstration project for which a permit is issued under this section, terminate such a permit, or order the removal of an offshore aquaculture facility authorized to operate under such a permit, if—</text>
<paragraph id="H24CDDC50EDEE49EC8B97D2449F56ED83">
<enum>(1)</enum>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H0DA710C35D7341409FF7FFBC3DC16026">
<enum>(A)</enum>
<text>the project incurs an incident involving a death or serious personal injury and the Administrator determines that negligence of the project operator was the cause of or a contributing factor to the incident;</text>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE8BF8DC8FEB4438FADCD1D9E1F63DF63" indent="up1">
<enum>(B)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">operation of the project results in take of endangered species or marine mammals in excess of take authorized pursuant to—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8C87CEC7335147E5B32A8A9012654251">
<enum>(i)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1531">16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.</external-xref>); or</text>
</clause>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3BEAB051066F44A5987E078414C39029">
<enum>(ii)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1361">16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.</external-xref>);</text>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" indent="up1" id="HF8D02F219CF6435E8AF0A9D91F0B11E6">
<enum>(C)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the owner or operator of the project fails to comply with all of the terms and conditions of—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4D06EB2DA6EF4B09A2A2612E25443BA5">
<enum>(i)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the permit; or</text> </clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7B7737C12AFB4AA684F59A971B83D5E7"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">modifications required by the Administrator under this subsection; or</text>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" indent="up1" id="HCCA20DBBBB6B4053B0FFB2C65526A62D">
<enum>(D)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Administrator determines that operation of the demonstration project would be unsafe or result in unacceptable negative impacts to—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H54CEECB514FD422DA3B84B0D58352AA4">
<enum>(i)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the marine environment;</text> </clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0315126304FA494380F768654AC18D9A"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">nearby human communities; or</text>
</clause>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1C6671117A8347158B816FD9CDB74166">
<enum>(iii)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">other users of the water body in which the project is located; and</text>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph id="H1F9B93B7E423457089A0A43A75471E1E">
<enum>(2)</enum>
<text>before requiring a modification to the demonstration project, terminating the permit, or ordering the removal of the offshore aquaculture facility—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H101159A9CB424AECA793BA001E662A9E">
<enum>(A)</enum>
<text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Administrator provides a warning notice to the owner or operator of the project; and</text>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC65F30EA2FB349D89F414588C89C74C7">
<enum>(B)</enum>
<text>the owner or operator is given an opportunity to address the Administrator's concerns.</text>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection id="HF750BE447E0C4476B1FC21194BE352D2"><enum>(l)</enum><header>Coastal Zone Management Act review</header><text>The submission of an application for a permit for a demonstration project under this section shall trigger the right of review by a coastal State under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1451">16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></subsection> <subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0DAAF43C6C7448ACA5EFEB7B5B267B99"><enum>(m)</enum><header>Fishing access and coordination</header> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA33416FD228C4164874C9A294125FE3F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall consider the effects of offshore aquaculture facilities on fishing access and opportunities in adjacent public waters and, to the maximum extent practicable consistent with applicable law, seek to minimize unnecessary adverse impacts on fishing access and use.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6649DD18E7044D93B12F1C40E8044F78"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Coordination</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Administrator shall coordinate, as appropriate, with the Commandant of the Coast Guard and other relevant Federal agencies regarding navigational safety measures associated with offshore aquaculture facilities authorized under this section.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H176E10A84EB2438ABC2798665D24A6DD"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Administrative record</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Administrator shall include in the administrative record for a permit issued under this section a description of any known fishing access impacts and any measures identified to avoid or minimize such impacts.</text></paragraph></subsection></section>
<section id="H5F7CE4BA7C3F4F25A6DF78826065BF87"><enum>203.</enum><header>Coordination of permit reviews for demonstration projects</header>
<subsection id="HD1133DE0CCC149EB9FBE8E213FF677B9"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA0C130CF90A64716816408353E4E5562"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Lead agency</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Administration shall serve as the lead Federal agency for purposes of providing information on Federal permitting requirements for demonstration projects under section 202.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7BB288E54DC6403CAF4D7D5204472C4F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Coordination</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Administrator shall coordinate with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and any other agency the Administrator considers appropriate to simplify the Federal permitting process for demonstration projects under section 202.</text></paragraph></subsection>
<subsection commented="no" id="HDE5C9D81D24846E5B0372E799F06C7CC"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Relation to current law</header><text>Nothing in this section shall be construed in derogation of law in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that is applicable to offshore aquaculture operations, and the unified permitting and review process established under this section shall not affect the timelines or standards established under other laws.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H9B3CC9E862E7492E85A439024C045AFF"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Unified permitting and review process</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries of Commerce, Interior, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Chief of Engineers shall, through the Secretary of Commerce, initiate, subject to the requirements of subsection (a), a rulemaking for all permits administered by such agency heads relating to demonstration projects under section 202 for a unified process, public notice, and public comment for—</text>
<paragraph id="HD4A5DD9D5DBE4305A77A3465B618D384"><enum>(1)</enum><text>initial issuance of permits;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4902A5EEC1A649198D11985E2649C3CA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>renewal of permits; and</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HB86CFA0A572C46F997163EA5F2358CC2"><enum>(3)</enum><text>transfer of permits.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HE8D13882412543B59F5AC1FBA00B89BA"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Informal consultations</header><text>The Administrator shall convene representatives of the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department in which the U.S. Coast Guard is operating, and any other agency the Administrator deems appropriate to provide prospective applicants for permits for demonstration projects under section 202 an opportunity for informal consultation with such agencies. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude an applicant or a prospective applicant from contacting Federal agencies directly.</text></subsection>
<subsection id="HD18B1316D3174223837CF094E1997314"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Environmental analysis</header><text>To the extent allowable under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.</external-xref>), any environmental analysis or environmental impact statement required under that Act for offshore aquaculture activities proposed to be carried out under a demonstration project under section 202 shall be conducted through a single, consolidated environmental review and the Administration, through the Office of Aquaculture established by section 101, shall serve as the lead Federal agency.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HE7A94EFB8FCA43379C3B7F272AFD58C1"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Coordination of permit reviews</header><text>To the extent practicable under this Act and all other applicable laws, including regulations, Federal agencies with permitting requirements applicable to offshore aquaculture activities proposed to be carried out under a demonstration project under section 202 shall coordinate their review processes in order to provide a timely response to an applicant not later than 240 days after the submission of the application.</text></subsection>
<subsection id="HE5E4CFEAD333420BAAA17C854C087127">
<enum>(g)</enum>
<header>Magnuson-Stevens fishery conservation and management act</header>
<text>The conduct of offshore aquaculture shall be considered a commercial fishing operation for purposes of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1362">16 U.S.C. 1362</external-xref>).</text>
</subsection></section>
<section id="HC527F986350346CCA65FBEF48D321B3C"><enum>204.</enum><header>Reporting by assessment program participants</header>
<subsection id="H89BD25D9515341A2BB763464CE435E89"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date on which a demonstration project for which a permit is issued under section 202 commences, and annually thereafter until the demonstration project terminates, the owner or operator of the demonstration project shall submit to the Office, in accordance with guidance provided by the Administrator the following:</text> <paragraph id="H1B69916555B74C30A1D16E412EB683C2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Production data.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H88F80C2E1BC34E81BB03FD964B67CF55"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Information on interactions with wild species, mitigation measures taken, and the results of such interactions and measures.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC0CF36640FE04AE19C2D526F81187668"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Information on technology and operational practices used to measure and monitor—</text>
<subparagraph id="H2559F98199794E55BD3ED3C6C5924F29"><enum>(A)</enum><text>effluent;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD719B82A1BDC4F81A7A4A16E73E3D91D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>integrity of cage materials and other gear; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H7E856114674E40F2B6B01BBCED9BF4D9"><enum>(C)</enum><text>health of the cultivated species.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H08F593E584954AEF9F5FB726482648E3"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Information on environmental and ecosystem impacts.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H4D38C086197C42E2A2E9D967081CDB64"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Information on feed sourcing, including an estimate of the concentration of wild-caught marine ingredients (fishmeal and fish oil) in a feed relative to the original wild fish, the species and geographic origin of such forage, any planned changes to feed formulations, and any other relevant information.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" id="H8F1288FC66AA4D37B4092A80A0E6B8C5"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Data necessary for the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to complete the study described in section 401.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H7409EF710B894616BE759500525484EF"><enum>(7)</enum><text>Owner, operator, and employee demographic data and other relevant data as determined appropriate by the Administrator for purposes of assessing—</text> <subparagraph id="HEC6DE10893AB49099E852473DAB7689A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the direct benefits of the demonstration project to fishery and aquaculture stakeholders; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HFF686B0CE194465CB654D81E999DBE37"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the quantifiable economic and social impacts of the demonstration project for nearby coastal communities and any specially affected coastal jurisdictions.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFE00657DF4D749DC963A2779B568B60C"><enum>(8)</enum><text>Information on navigation and safety impacts to existing ocean users.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H8AED48F6F8D4442091D78E6DC10B6A0E"><enum>(9)</enum><text>Such additional information as the Administrator requires to fulfill the goals and objectives of the assessment program established under section 201.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H16EA3BB9EF7F495998C8E16FCDFD1C8E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Technical assistance</header><text>The Administrator shall, upon request, provide technical assistance to owners and operators of demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section 202 to comply with the reporting requirements of this section.</text></subsection>
<subsection id="H26D31675A7D341D4938CA9986F831EDA"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Emergency reporting</header><text>The Administrator shall establish an emergency reporting process for each owner or operator of a demonstration project for which a permit is issued under section 202 to immediately report suspected or known interactions between project facilities or vessels and protected wild species.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H18FBD02E8D344397879EC83DCC1C2105"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Privacy</header><text>The Administrator shall ensure that data provided under this section is maintained in a manner that safeguards personally identifiable information and confidential business information.</text></subsection></section>
<section id="HE6AD0268654041299D76A620FD8F89FD"><enum>205.</enum><header>Rule of construction; savings provisions</header>
<subsection id="H0347A7D44E0F4F6D81772932CF19C6A5"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Statutory construction</header><text>A permit for a demonstration project issued under section 202 shall not supersede or substitute for any other authorization required under Federal or State law.</text></subsection> <subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF59CFDA8A40E423E93C5438977F5A4AD"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Applicability</header><text>This title does not apply with respect to applications for a permit in process on the date of the enactment of this Act or permits that are in effect on that date.</text></subsection></section>
<enum>III</enum><header>Workforce development, financing, and other support</header>
<section id="H1F3FC1D3D1D74F7D8B8B78CB212F3F73"><enum>301.</enum><header>General support for industry</header>
<subsection id="HE7B8E2D5B269433ABDD7F4994D31E8C6"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Marketing and promotion grants</header><text>The Administrator, in consultation with private sector aquaculture stakeholders, shall support the sale and public perception of cultured species domestically and internationally through existing grant programs.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H0D08BAA050464B73AAC22E444570DB8F"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Workforce development grants</header> <paragraph id="HBD45B741D38148638D4A0C3188B0E628"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator, in consultation with private sector aquaculture stakeholders, academic institutions, and the national sea grant college program, shall establish and administer a grant program to support the education and training of individuals with the skills needed to manage and operate offshore aquaculture facilities.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H8A8D1E15790248AF9469795C30E245BB"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Aquaculture centers of excellence</header><text>The Administrator may carry out paragraph (1) through the program established under section 302(b)(1).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HCA6AEF7E6C874C42A8C750EF174C7FB9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Regional networks</header><text>The Administrator, through each regional fisheries office of the Administration, shall organize a network of—</text>
<paragraph id="HD1868E78A3F541E2BB5B37CAD0E3CC5A"><enum>(1)</enum><text>regional experts and Federal agency contacts, in coordination with relevant organizations, including the national sea grant college program, the Regional Aquaculture Centers of the Department of Agriculture, institutions of higher education, and the Cooperative Extension System of the Department of Agriculture, to provide technical expertise and extension services for offshore aquaculture and information on Federal permit requirements for offshore aquaculture; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H100DCCE83A8A4F3D9BAB8B85C7A9BDBB"><enum>(2)</enum><text>individuals and businesses interested in aquaculture operations and products to facilitate professional development, marketing, mentoring opportunities, and agency outreach and education on aquaculture.</text></paragraph></subsection>
<subsection id="H7FD4E694618F473FAB7C2BBBE33B9FA7"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Aquaculture database</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H05E14EBA5F5B42A39CC078C2C73FBE8D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Administrator shall establish and maintain an aquaculture database within the Office of Aquaculture established by section 101.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9B58E30726BB4A7CBBEE8B54D992988A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Inclusions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The database required by paragraph (1) shall include information on research, technologies, monitoring techniques, best practices, and advisory board recommendations relating to aquaculture and offshore aquaculture.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H4D247ED954514635AF118F0E33287D69"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Safeguarding of information</header><text>The Administrator shall make the database required by paragraph (1) available in a manner that safeguards personally identifiable information and confidential business information.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H70ED35A901B04B29BCBE31ABC38C0E13"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Patents</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The inclusion of information in the database required by paragraph (1) shall not be considered to be publication for purposes of subsection (a) or (b) of section 102 of title 35, United States Code.</text></paragraph></subsection>
<subsection id="HCC6AC33F5BB1443982B12DEB94366F98"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Technical assistance programs for operators</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H36492F5B442542B0A24AE9518204814B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Administrator, through the Office of Aquaculture established by section 101 and the regional aquaculture coordinators described in such section, shall organize a program in each regional fisheries office of the Administration to provide technical assistance to operators of offshore aquaculture facilities.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF44EE8ED2B764C61890E21B20F8B7C8B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Tailoring</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The programs required by paragraph (1) shall be tailored to meet the unique needs of each region.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HF4E64E12E7264AA9A5D5496AC9E0E21C"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Consultations</header><text>Under each program required by paragraph (1), the regional aquaculture coordinators described in section 101 may conduct consultations with the operator of each offshore aquaculture facility in the region concerned on a regular basis—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD8E88717F3A94F6CA2B74542B8C401EB"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to assess the status of the operator’s business; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H636141E629904A6B91E250622604DC74"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if appropriate, to identify available resources to support the operator, such as regional experts, university extension agents, and grant opportunities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section> <section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC20772CA3B4A48D9861892FBF902CC2E"><enum>302.</enum><header>Aquaculture Centers of Excellence</header> <subsection id="H76A977C24F30465D8FCEB558C13CF64E"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text>
<paragraph id="H4494E032B65B416E97F9EE7E35AC83B3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Covered institution</header><text>The term <term>covered institution</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="H5FF1D06E79DD414FB9930C66C33A3692"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a minority-serving institution;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H2994216F6BB640FABA997337207C626B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a Native Hawaiian-serving institution;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1138280E8B0A4872AF608D7632B11DAF"><enum>(C)</enum><text>an Alaska Native-serving institution;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HC0E6BB6C82994154AA5D3E02D87F3B92"><enum>(D)</enum><text>a historically Black college or university; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8A19E9FA474D4E00AFBA752D6EF6C9D2"><enum>(E)</enum><text>a Tribal college or university.</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H0F3D742664B1476A9932E545B2D238BE">
<enum>(2)</enum>
<header>Historically Black college or university</header>
<text>The term <term>historically Black college or university</term> has the meaning given the term <term>part B institution</term> in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/20/1061">20 U.S.C. 1061</external-xref>).</text>
</paragraph>
<paragraph id="HA9A497E5EC0B4A54A205D5331A20FBF6"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Minority-serving institution</header><text>The term <term>minority-serving institution</term> means an eligible institution described in paragraph (2), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/20/1067q">20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HDB9050A29C1C4AB09BDD0FA12AD956B4"> <enum>(4)</enum> <header>Tribal college or university</header> <text>The term <term>Tribal college or university</term> means a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/20/1059c">20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)</external-xref>)) that is chartered by the governing body of the applicable Indian Tribe or by the Federal Government.</text>
</paragraph></subsection>
<subsection id="HDD1F38BEC95B4105BD215A5986D33D03"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Aquaculture curriculum grants</header>
<paragraph id="H619E000B631A470FA43E5087505045B7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with private sector aquaculture stakeholders, academic institutions, and the national sea grant college program, shall establish a program to award grants to covered institutions to assist in establishing or enhancing an aquaculture curriculum for undergraduate, graduate, or certificate courses of study at such covered institutions.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8164BBEE718343D1855D481E55954936"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Aquaculture centers of excellence</header><text>A covered institution that receives a grant under this section shall be known as an <quote>Aquaculture Center of Excellence</quote>.</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HD5F8CA8497A5406D95329E5970B796C2"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Applications</header><text>To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a covered institution shall submit to the Administrator an application that includes any plans to partner with one or more other institutions of higher education as authorized under paragraph (5).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H33F253E41E154BBDBDEBED42CBB2AF81"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Use of grant amounts</header> <subparagraph id="H0D94F2F91B894832A2A8F4F9B8B867D5"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A covered institution receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant amounts to establish or enhance an aquaculture curriculum for undergraduate, graduate, or certificate courses of study that may include the following:</text>
<clause id="H55FA146C0B0440C48086526681838364"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Training in various skills needed by successful aquaculture entrepreneurs, including—</text> <subclause id="H4F57B5C1B60E46C0A48572EE914C2B96"><enum>(I)</enum><text>offshore aquaculture operations;</text></subclause>
<subclause id="HAADD992A1CAF4B6C91311952CC4408B4"><enum>(II)</enum><text>business management, strategic planning, business plan development, capital financing and fundraising, financial management and accounting, market analysis and competitive analysis, and market entry and strategy execution; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD314B91CF6B34382A2806EC3EF820DEA"><enum>(III)</enum><text>any other skill specific to the needs of the student population and the surrounding community, including with respect to social and environmental sustainability, as determined by the covered institution.</text></subclause></clause>
<clause id="HA7088DDEDF3047F68B3CCC0B12EEC45E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Natural and social science research programs in aquaculture and natural fisheries, including offshore aquaculture.</text></clause> <clause id="HDDE830E70A2B48E69756BF71D86F2D2F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Development of extension programs (or cooperation with existing extension programs) that—</text>
<subclause id="HCCD860239EDE40E9AC9A4C6F23468858"><enum>(I)</enum><text>educate and engage community members, including elementary and secondary school students, on aquaculture and aquaculture career pathways; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H9F7C77FBD5DB47C0B03AF12D2C1673FA"><enum>(II)</enum><text>transfer newly developed techniques and research information developed or collated at the covered institution to aquaculture stakeholders.</text></subclause></clause>
<clause id="H8B7D7374DAC549BBB869EC92AABC9988"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Career development, such as the establishment of cooperatives, apprenticeships, internships, practicums, mentorships, accelerators, or grant competitions.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBF21A55F29334F39B0B0FC4C2A8116AE"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Limitations on use of grant amounts</header><text>Amounts from a grant awarded under this section may be used only for expenses directly related to the implementation of the curriculum or activities authorized under this section.</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H8F28E2035A9E4CB792D4935EB2847B37"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Partnerships</header><text>In applying for grants and carrying out activities with grant amounts under this section, a covered institution may partner with one or more other institutions of higher education with established aquaculture programs, including institutions of higher education not otherwise eligible for grants under this section, to facilitate the sharing of resources and knowledge necessary for the development or enhancement of aquaculture curriculum at the covered institution.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HC26E3F99F77B45EA98619701B3721B4D"> <enum>(c)</enum> <header>Authorization of appropriations</header> <text>There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended.</text>
</subsection></section>
<enum>IV</enum><header>Studies and reports</header>
<section id="HA37D363963384840B7253B0A16C596C0"><enum>401.</enum><header>Study on offshore aquaculture by Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine</header>
<subsection id="HAF04A72F6DD1467B8F68E426D9E0CF2C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator shall seek to enter into a contract with the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (in this section referred to as the <quote>Board</quote>) under which the Board shall, not later than 5 years after the date on which the Administrator establishes the assessment program under section 201—</text> <paragraph id="HE68C3674B0BD4481BBD6EA3265DFAE73"><enum>(1)</enum><text>complete a study to develop the scientific basis for efficient and effective regulation of offshore aquaculture; and</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H2C59065DFFA345108A68C231C47B9409"><enum>(2)</enum><text>submit to Congress and make publicly available the results of the study.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HCB279B3DAB6C493C957645517A7F5C4F"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>The study completed pursuant to subsection (a) shall, with respect to offshore aquaculture—</text>
<paragraph id="H87B57FE530B54277A96194416A1BF7F8"><enum>(1)</enum><text>identify—</text> <subparagraph id="HAE5307385EF04DBCBCD7834EDB1E1A02"><enum>(A)</enum><text>optimal methods of operation of offshore aquaculture facilities to limit adverse effects on the environment, wildlife, and human well-being, including—</text>
<clause id="H7BD72EBF81544BE6B9FA5497E2812687"><enum>(i)</enum><text>considerations to guide siting decisions of such facilities;</text></clause> <clause id="HCCF6F8A39DF4416C8663A47D6A42036E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>appropriate stocking densities; and</text></clause>
<clause id="H5F805EED9CC747918345BCFC1B2D9606"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>opportunities for selective breeding;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC9A82F458DA24D3F82FC922430C66C6B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a science-based definition of <quote>responsible offshore aquaculture feed or other inputs</quote>, including guidance on sourcing feed or other inputs to address long- or short-term concerns, including the availability and scalability of such inputs;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HF83BD29E6BCC4509983D271CAC871F5E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>potential adverse effects on the environment, wildlife, and human well-being, including from—</text> <clause id="H3A568CC101CC413698BB3F539E93AE76"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the use of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals by offshore aquaculture facilities, including through analyses necessary to establish acceptable rates, impact levels, and risk thresholds, such as analyses of organism antibiotic consumption or metabolization versus excretion to the surrounding environment;</text></clause>
<clause id="H262E55F8CA56408D9BAF79238D921B27"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>pollution originating from offshore aquaculture facilities, including such effect on marine organisms and the environment, including the potential for assimilation;</text></clause> <clause id="H49FE64B42AC547DBBBA7524D65458B76"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>abandoned, lost, damaged, or otherwise discarded gear or equipment;</text></clause>
<clause id="H1D4D061AFF83459C85DF545B2CF78D74"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>harmful interactions with wildlife;</text></clause> <clause id="H313877915F0A464AB087552E6E8F4E5F"><enum>(v)</enum><text>genetic mixing between cultured species and wild marine species;</text></clause>
<clause id="HA37321F958864023BF3DB9F337EE3342"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>the transfer of disease between cultured species and wild species;</text></clause> <clause id="H0E786EA42C3048FCA4A6F5723BF01588"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>the collection and removal of brood stock for offshore aquaculture operations, and hatcheries and prestocking rearing operations that are specific to offshore aquaculture;</text></clause>
<clause id="H8AADC9F1F92E497285A479C2B46BE0F8"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>large-scale cultivation of filter-feeding bivalve organisms and seaweed;</text></clause> <clause id="H780FB24345D34A8C8F7C311A226526BC"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>offshore aquaculture facilities acting as aggregating devices for wild fisheries and wildlife populations;</text></clause>
<clause id="HD5C22F6A89644D69A97C7E2E9C8D3CC7"><enum>(x)</enum><text>predator control devices and methods; and</text></clause> <clause id="H751FC62403384900AC91F2BF167B39CC"><enum>(xi)</enum><text>the use of non-sustainable sources of feed or other inputs, including the use of globally limited marine resources for feed ingredients, and scalability of alternatives, including—</text>
<subclause id="H823E49CEC3B54D2787913A54D9AEE0E6"><enum>(I)</enum><text>novel ingredients (for example, insect, single cell protein, and algae);</text></subclause> <subclause id="H219BD8EF2571481D895C53D17FB4AE6F"><enum>(II)</enum><text>traditional ingredients (for example, soya); and</text></subclause>
<subclause id="HD9466D4887394FC281BCECF37C8B9D55"><enum>(III)</enum><text>other inputs;</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H340C77248A4A4A21B5337C19DEDC6913"><enum>(D)</enum><text>potential methods and technologies to mitigate adverse effects, including the effects identified under subparagraph (C);</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HBD4C6E3A7E584D3E9E8693B2FEA683FB"><enum>(E)</enum><text>potential methods to identify conflicts between offshore aquaculture facilities and other users of the offshore environment, and rubrics for developing solutions to mitigate such conflicts;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFE0CCA942DE24577B25D70F1E0C086D3"><enum>(F)</enum><text>the types of quantitative data and qualitative information necessary for the optimal operation of offshore aquaculture facilities and appropriate methods of procuring such data and information, including from—</text>
<clause id="HC07AD966B2A5497E96BBC3AD70F88D82"><enum>(i)</enum><text>citizen science (as defined in section 402(c) of the Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/15/3724">15 U.S.C. 3724(c)</external-xref>));</text></clause> <clause id="HD355A233B72C441D95D5E3CB17D281A4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the traditional knowledge of Tribal and Indigenous communities; and</text></clause>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC289522504DD4F8B91FAC328B745A211"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>offshore aquaculture operators;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0AD8848F255F40AE9500246AE58EF933"><enum>(G)</enum><text>best practices for offshore aquaculture siting and operations to manage and plan for predicted changes in global atmospheric and oceanographic conditions;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HF2DAC6287FAE4C88BB922525C497495C"><enum>(H)</enum><text>economic impacts and contributions of offshore aquaculture to local, State, regional, and national economies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H411E8F3BFDF145E1B4E6EDDB8B6EFE61"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the business profitability potential and market opportunities for offshore aquaculture enterprises; and</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H3BA800CBAB4148A0A6AAE26358A3FA25"><enum>(J)</enum><text>potential benefits from offshore aquaculture operations at the local, State, and national levels, including social, cultural, economic, and environmental ecosystem services; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H07868166F68F48A18E5D2B7EE21E9D52"><enum>(2)</enum><text>provide recommendations for legislative or administrative action with respect to—</text>
<subparagraph id="HED02E5C12FC54F9B9A8A3AB763F77798"><enum>(A)</enum><text>methods of operation identified under paragraph (1)(A);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7421B20BA5A74851BE08A24C26284B33"><enum>(B)</enum><text>mitigating adverse effects identified under paragraph (1)(C);</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H1D2E208D1BC2477C9BBBCD0B17EDC1FC"><enum>(C)</enum><text>environmental standards, control rules, or reference points that build on the existing public and private standards or best practices for the sustainability of offshore aquaculture; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF450D9C6746341FAAD946BBC202ED906"><enum>(D)</enum><text>ensuring that operators of offshore aquaculture facilities adhere to international standards for social responsibility, public health, and equitable labor practices, including with respect to sourcing inputs for such facilities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section>
<section id="HFB0437A8A28A4ECB94FE6FB9D122855A"><enum>402.</enum><header>Report on offshore aquaculture by Government Accountability Office</header>
<subsection id="HA29A3F270BBF4ED188847519C26E4F1A"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 5 years after the date on which the Administrator establishes the assessment program under section 201, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report examining the permitting, monitoring, and regulation of offshore aquaculture that covers the 15-year period prior to the program’s establishment and the time period since the program’s establishment.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H17A4BF5E30514459A0681B56C509A144"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Bases of report</header><text>The Comptroller General shall base the report required by subsection (a) on available literature, case studies, and aquaculture stakeholder input.</text></subsection>
<subsection id="HDC79AB3B0F8E4B89B8D5B1209B20D93B"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Elements of report</header><text>The report required by subsection (a) shall—</text> <paragraph id="H2541B1D1C7904127A62C9289958F64BB"><enum>(1)</enum><text>assess the feasibility and potential positive and negative implications of designating a lead agency to issue permits for offshore aquaculture operations in a timely manner;</text></paragraph>
<paragraph id="HB8FF5D4B7EE546E38FBF4D39058D74F7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>identify lessons learned during the period described in subsection (a) with respect to—</text> <subparagraph id="H13320F07DA724109BA1E718AC07EF902"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the effect of offshore aquaculture type, location, and regulatory framework on the success of offshore aquaculture projects;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HB74CC889BD604999968838F2087EC791"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the degree of involvement of coastal or adjacent States or Tribal or Indigenous communities in consultations for, planning for, or operations of offshore aquaculture;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3A1108AB86624AD698DA695DE1B4D607"><enum>(C)</enum><text>safety protocols and risk mitigation measures for the permitting and oversight processes for offshore aquaculture, including—</text>
<clause id="H94E88AB1008F4871AA9878D41B35C1C3"><enum>(i)</enum><text>escape prevention measures;</text></clause> <clause id="HDFDF19A0349C482A8119B3BE712F5A40"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>emergency event response planning;</text></clause>
<clause id="H7B54B0CB12EE485F867A819F859910DC"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>compliance monitoring, particularly in remote locations;</text></clause> <clause id="H80F7CBAF7FE54F0592603F7695564AEF"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>compliance with Federal laws;</text></clause>
<clause id="HB34B14F88E5E4E69A6C45507F3367D15"><enum>(v)</enum><text>mechanisms for reporting to appropriate Federal authorities; and</text></clause> <clause id="H2381CC22538F4034962FC23043A679FD"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>vessel navigation aids to ensure navigational safety;</text></clause></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H33B2B100FB72468BBC8982C834617851"><enum>(D)</enum><text>the effect of incentives to reduce adverse effects or disparate impacts from offshore aquaculture operations;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE9B4408937D64E12A0A15BBE03F97511"><enum>(E)</enum><text>building and optimizing synergies between offshore aquaculture and wild-caught fishing activities, or offshore, nearshore, and onshore aquaculture activities, including market development, increasing seafood consumption, and shared infrastructure;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H4C95D59868DE452C8621D4A5E5640489"><enum>(F)</enum><text>the environmental effects of offshore aquaculture operations, including mechanisms to prevent harm to the environment, wildlife, or human well-being;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFAF552CA74D542DA84FB98D89108C5CD"><enum>(G)</enum><text>the net economic and social benefits of offshore aquaculture projects, particularly for nearby communities, specially affected coastal jurisdictions as defined in section 202(e), and aquaculture and fishery stakeholders, based on project size, regulatory structures, and financing structures;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H2C005A2C069F470E984B525C9CEDA699"><enum>(H)</enum><text>the impact of introducing offshore aquaculture products to the marketplace on supply and demand for wild-capture fisheries products, and methods for ensuring resiliency and growth for both offshore aquaculture and wild-capture fisheries products;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H20264856A9D44F498201DEF55A8DBDF0"><enum>(I)</enum><text>mechanisms to enhance capital investment, workforce development, and equitable opportunity requirements or assistance programs in the permitting process for offshore aquaculture, or to diversify permit applicants;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H04C666F2CC2143FB98A30982A97507C9"><enum>(J)</enum><text>outstanding needs for continued research, development, education activities, programs, and funding regarding—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB037625140E84509ABE381ECC69B0931"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">offshore aquaculture projects; and</text></clause>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBB6231177068481ABD6E14328B113213"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">development of the domestic workforce and entrepreneurship related to offshore aquaculture;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF9E6F7312F734C69816DDE48AF869630"><enum>(K)</enum><text>the economic potential for both large- and small-scale offshore aquaculture operations to generate a positive return on investment under various regulatory and financing structures;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H33E9354FF1B14053A3DDC924FB999A4F"><enum>(L)</enum><text>the applicability and sufficiency of existing regulatory systems for offshore aquaculture; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H22AB0080D3F94DE99D67F1B4CBB02C9C"><enum>(M)</enum><text>existing local, State, Federal, and foreign regulatory standards that may serve as models for efficient and effective regulation of offshore aquaculture; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph>
<paragraph id="H96F7B5B8757F4FB480A6923BD6CE5CE1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>include such recommendations as the Comptroller General may have with respect to future offshore aquaculture operations, including with respect to—</text> <subparagraph id="HAAC4B62993924D2182901A462AEC8EA1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>regulatory processes necessary for permitting, monitoring, and oversight, including processes and techniques related to siting, deployment, operations, and decommissioning;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="HF5194D56BCAA45F1855EC1D6E049251F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>potential safeguards, data collection, or monitoring required to minimize disparate impacts on specially affected coastal jurisdictions (as defined in section 202(e)), fishery stakeholders, local economies, marine environments, and existing domestic economic sectors;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9257854CAC634DE2B93C3702E38DDD39"><enum>(C)</enum><text>mechanisms for optimizing coordination among Federal agencies with a role in permitting or supporting offshore aquaculture without compromising the goals of such permitting;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H6598C366CB474E8790BC32BEB9A70D94"><enum>(D)</enum><text>methods for effectively involving aquaculture stakeholders, including—</text> <clause id="H3AFA298A05F04904AECACDEE2E128D7B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>specially affected coastal jurisdictions (as defined in section 202(e));</text></clause>
<clause id="HB58480328E1D432899C6D62DDD68772E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>local communities;</text></clause> <clause id="H6FF7E3901EEF473A8F43C0C98655839B"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>regional offshore waters users and management groups, including regional fishery management councils; and</text></clause>
<clause id="H59A8A21256824488BBE71B407351A3DD"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>users of local, State, Tribal, and Federal waters and coastal resources;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H500D1CB63D274AC7B997D47F74EEF458"><enum>(E)</enum><text>best practices for incorporating local knowledge, including from Tribal or Indigenous communities;</text></subparagraph>
<subparagraph id="H7FBC40A687CC45CBB022BBF15F986E5B"><enum>(F)</enum><text>capabilities of Federal agencies that are necessary for effective regulation of the offshore aquaculture sector; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1C1F87BF812143AF8A306B4742D67A1E"><enum>(G)</enum><text>how creating private rights of action or waiving sovereign immunity would affect the development of offshore aquaculture projects and the acceptance of such projects by nearshore and offshore waters user groups and coastal communities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section>