MARA Act of 2026 Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act...
To require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish an assessment program for commercial-scale offshore aquaculture through demonstration projects, to establish Aquaculture Centers of Excellence, to support aquaculture workforce development and working waterfronts, and for other purposes.
This bill, known as HB9673, aims to improve the commercial-scale offshore aquaculture industry by establishing a structured assessment program and creating centers for excellence. It requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop demonstration projects to evaluate the feasibility and environmental impact of offshore aquaculture. Additionally, the bill seeks to establish Aquaculture Centers of Excellence to promote research and innovation in this field. It also includes provisions to support workforce development and enhance working waterfronts, which are areas where aquaculture activities take place. This legislation is co-sponsored by Chellie Pingree, Jimmy Panetta, and Jill Tokuda, with Mike Ezell as the primary sponsor.
The bill would primarily affect individuals and businesses involved in offshore aquaculture, including farmers, researchers, and workers in the aquaculture industry. By creating demonstration projects and centers of excellence, the bill hopes to boost the industry's growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. Workforce development initiatives would help train and employ more people in this sector, benefiting the economy and job market.
As of July 14, 2026, the bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration. This means the bill is currently in its early stages and will be reviewed by these committees to assess its provisions and potential impacts.
