Seafood Competitiveness (E.O. 13921)

Summary

Aims to grow the American seafood industry by making rules simpler, fighting illegal fishing, and supporting fish farming to create jobs and ensure food safety.

What problem does this solve?

The United States imports over 85 percent of the seafood it consumes, while illegal fishing harms American fishermen and fish populations. This order makes it easier to get permits for fish farming and simplifies fishing rules to help the U.S. produce more of its own seafood.

What does this order do?

Streamlines aquaculture permitting

Creates a 'One Federal Decision' process to complete all federal environmental reviews and permit decisions for fish farming projects within two years.

Establishes Aquaculture Opportunity Areas

Requires the Secretary of Commerce to identify at least ten geographic areas in federal waters over five years that are suitable for commercial fish farming.

Reduces burdens on American fishing

Directs Regional Fishery Management Councils to recommend actions to reduce regulations on domestic fishing and increase production within sustainable fisheries.

Combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing

Strengthens efforts to fight illegal fishing by improving international cooperation, increasing maritime awareness, and providing training and assistance in key areas.

Creates a seafood trade task force

Establishes a task force to create a strategy for improving access to foreign markets for U.S. seafood products and resolving trade barriers.

Develops new nationwide permits for aquaculture

Requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop nationwide permits for finfish, seaweed, and multi-species aquaculture in federal and coastal waters.

Who does this affect?

American fishermen
Aquaculture producers
Seafood importers and exporters

What is the real world impact?

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Reduces reliance on foreign seafood

Strengthens the U.S. economy and improves food security by increasing domestic seafood production, which reduces the need to import over 85% of the nation's seafood.

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Supports American businesses and workers

Helps American fishermen and aquaculture producers by removing complex rules and creating a more predictable permit process, which can lead to more jobs and economic growth in coastal areas.

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May weaken environmental protections

Critics might argue that speeding up environmental reviews and removing regulations could harm marine ecosystems and protected species by prioritizing economic growth over conservation.

When does this start?

This order became effective on May 7, 2020, and sets multiple deadlines for federal agencies to complete specific actions.

Seafood Trade Task Force established

Within 30 days (by June 6, 2020), the Secretary of Commerce must establish an Interagency Seafood Trade Task Force.

Propose new aquaculture permits

Within 90 days (by August 5, 2020), the Army Corps of Engineers must develop and propose nationwide permits for aquaculture activities.

Recommendations to reduce fishing burdens

Within 180 days (by November 3, 2020), Regional Fishery Management Councils must submit recommendations to reduce burdens on domestic fishing.

Identify first Aquaculture Opportunity Areas

Within 1 year (by May 7, 2021), the Secretary of Commerce must identify at least two geographic areas suitable for commercial aquaculture.

Complete environmental reviews for aquaculture

All environmental reviews and authorization decisions for major aquaculture projects must be completed within 2 years from the notice of intent.