[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 101 (Thursday, July 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT ACT 1994 AND THE 
               MARINE AQUACULTURE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1994

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                          HON. GERRY E. STUDDS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 1994

  Mr. STUDDS. Mr. Speaker, fish stories are generally about the one 
that got away. Fortunately, this one is not. It is about fish farms, or 
aquaculture, an industry that has developed despite the indifference of 
the Federal Government and an industry that, with a little 
encouragement, has the potential for tremendous growth.
  In Massachusetts, aquaculture has expanded to such a degree over the 
past decade that shellfish farms have become commonplace on Cape Cod, 
the islands, and the south shore. With the decline in many traditional 
commercial stocks and the depletion of haddock and cod, fishermen, who 
have been leery of aquaculture, are beginning to realize what the 
Massachusetts aquaculture pioneers already knew: for many, it can be a 
way to earn a living and support their families while continuing to 
supply fresh seafood to the American public.
  While the success of the industry has been laudable, there are 
obstacles to even greater growth. Today I am introducing two bills 
intended to remove these obstacles and promote the development of the 
aquaculture industry in the United States.
  The National Aquaculture Development Act of 1994 is a comprehensive 
response to problem areas identified by the industry. These include the 
need to clarify Federal agency responsibilities and authorities for 
aquaculture; streamline and coordinate regulations and permits; provide 
greater access to programs available to more traditional farmers; and 
offer better education and information.
  In addition, the bill reauthorizes the National Aquaculture Act of 
1980 for an additional 3 years and authorizes appropriations for the 
three agencies with primary responsibility for aquaculture--
Agriculture, Interior, and Commerce--to carry out their 
responsibilities under the act.
  The second bill, the Marine Aquaculture Enhancement Act of 1994, is 
directed at specific problems faced by the salt water segment of the 
industry. A 1992 study by the National Academy of Sciences concluded 
that mariculturists face a host of problems unique to the environment 
in which they operate--our oceans and bays. These include conflicts 
with other users, the potential for environmental impacts on the marine 
environment, and the establishment of economically feasible operations.
  Many of these conflicts result from a lack of resources at the State 
level to plan for and develop regulatory frameworks to guide 
aquaculture development in the coastal zone. In addition, no Federal 
regulatory framework exists to govern aquaculture in Federal waters. My 
bill addresses these issues by providing incentives for States to 
develop programs in the coastal zone and establishing a framework for 
issuing permits in Federal waters that will minimize conflict with 
other users while ensuring that the marine environment is adequately 
protected.
  The bill also establishes a marine aquaculture research and extension 
program within Sea Grant to provide grants that will encourage the 
development of new technology that can make operations more 
economically productive and minimize environmental impacts.
  Enactment of the National Aquaculture Development Act and the Marine 
Aquaculture Enhancement Act will remove many barriers to the growth of 
a thriving national aquaculture industry, an industry, that, if 
encouraged, can provide many Americans with good jobs and good food. I 
urge Members to support and cosponsor these initiatives.

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