NOAA Designates Three Aquaculture Zones off Texas Coast for Commercial Farming

On Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that three offshore locations in the Gulf of Mexico, near Texas, have been designated as Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, aligning with a broader initiative to enhance domestic seafood production.

According to NOAA, the chosen locations consist of a 2,000-acre area approximately 79 kilometers east of Port Mansfield, another 2,000-acre site located around 103 kilometers from the Matagorda inlet, and a 500-acre site situated about 107 kilometers southeast of Freeport. Every site has been designated as appropriate for the cultivation of seaweed, shellfish, and finfish.

Federal agencies have designated Aquaculture Opportunity Areas as regions with significant potential for sustainable and commercially viable aquaculture practices. The designation follows thorough environmental assessments and discussions with stakeholders to confirm alignment with current activities in the Gulf, including shipping, energy production, and recreational use.

“The U.S. is at the forefront of aquaculture science and technology, but we find ourselves ranked 20th in the world for marine aquaculture production,” stated Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, acting assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator. “Expanding our local aquaculture sector will enhance public health, generate well-paying employment opportunities, and promote sustainable, long-lasting economic development for our country.”

The Texas locations are now part of a recently expanded initiative in California, aimed at creating a comprehensive network of offshore aquaculture areas throughout the United States. Authorities announced that the initiative seeks to reduce dependence on seafood imports and support rural and coastal economies.

The recent announcement follows two executive actions implemented during the tenure of former President Donald Trump, which instructed federal agencies to advance a strong, America-first seafood industry. Officials from NOAA announced that the designations in Texas enhance the existing framework by creating zones where private investors can seek federal permits to establish and manage offshore farms.

Texas boasts a rich tradition in commercial fishing. However, when it comes to offshore aquaculture in U.S. waters, it has fallen behind its international counterparts. 

Proponents of the industry argue that extensive development has the potential to ensure a consistent supply of shrimp, oysters, mussels, and finfish, such as red drum or cobia.

NOAA emphasized that the identification of these Aquaculture Opportunity Areas does not automatically permit new operations. Instead, it creates areas where prospective projects will experience expedited federal evaluations, encompassing environmental reviews and opportunities for public feedback.

As the Gulf aquaculture initiative moves forward, Texas waters are poised to play a crucial role in developing local seafood farming while striking a balance between environmental protection and various ocean activities.