Coastal communities are essential. Not only are they home to breathtaking views and vibrant towns, they also support industries, such as aquaculture, that play a vital role in the economy.

Aquaculture is growing aquatic organisms - including crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants - in controlled environments. This is similar to what coastal indigenous communities have been doing for years. These systems can be designed to be efficient, using less water and energy. Many types of aquaculture, like seaweed and shellfish farming, even help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and storing carbon dioxide.

Shellfish harvesters and seaweed farmers play an essential role in our food supply and climate change mitigation, but historically they haven't received the support they need to reach their full potential. I recently introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance resources for aquaculture farmers and harvesters and provided the support needed to access benefits similar to benefits received by farmers on land.

This new bipartisan bill aims to establish a program office for aquaculture under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to raise the visibility of aquaculture within the agency. It will also create an Aquaculture Advisory Committee to support the development of best practices, provide technical assistance, and acknowledge the history, use, and preservation of indigenous and traditional aquaculture practices and ecological knowledge. The goal is to support ocean ecosystems that capture and store carbon, improve food security, and provide needed help to shellfish harvesters and seaweed farmers.

Solutions like this help the economy and the health of the ocean.

Climate mitigation creates jobs. In Congress, I'm committed to uplifting solutions, like aquaculture, that help the planet and the people who live here.

Together we can secure a better future for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with me,

Suzanne

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