December 26, 2024 — A new aquaculture report released by NOAA Fisheries on Dec. 17 cites aquaculture as increasingly important in the nation’s commitment to food security, climate resilience and protection of threatened and endangered marine and freshwater species.
The updated National Aquaculture Development Plan credits aquaculture as one of the most environmentally sustainable ways to produce healthy food and also cites aquaculture for its important role in fisheries restoration.
Hatchery-reared fish are released into the wild to help boost populations of wild marine species.
According to NOAA Fisheries, aquaculture has helped more than 70 endangered or threatened species – including Pacific salmon, white abalone, and queen conch – and has also helped restore habitats and mitigate impacts of climate change.