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H.R.4854 / 103rd Congress

National Aquaculture Development Act of 1994

Executive Comment Requested from USDA, Commerce, Interior.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 28, 1994

National Aquaculture Development Act of 1994 - Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to require the National Aquaculture Development Plan to clearly outline and define the authorities of the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Commerce and other relevant Federal agencies with respect to the development, promotion, and regulation of all aquaculture in the United States. Requires the interagency aquaculture coordinating group to report to the Congress a report on an evaluation of actions taken under the Plan. (Sec. 4) Authorizes (current law requires) the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to: (1) establish within the National Agricultural Library a National Aquaculture Information Center; and (2) assign new aquaculture programs to the appropriate Federal agencies. (Sec. 5) Provides for coordination with the aquaculture industry. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretaries to: (1) implement a national strategy for private aquaculture; (2) implement an Aquaculture Strategy; and (3) treat private aquaculture as a form of agriculture. Directs the coordinating group to coordinate strategies, policies, and programs for private aquaculture. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretaries, through the coordinating group, to: (1) study Federal and State regulations and permits applicable to the United States aquaculture industry; (2) publish a compendium of requirements applicable to marine and fresh water aquaculture operations; and (3) recommend to the Secretaries and the Congress a framework for more consistent regulations on aquaculture operations. (Sec. 8) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary to provide disaster assistance to eligible aquaculture farmers for weather-related losses. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary to establish aquaculture education programs in secondary and postsecondary vocational schools. (Sec. 10) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make aquaculture farmers eligible for farm credit assistance. (Sec. 11) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary to establish an international aquaculture information and data collection program. (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with respect to aquaculture information network enhancement. (Sec. 13) Authorizes FY 1994 through 1996 appropriations for aquaculture programs.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10] · D–MA

Committees

  • Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee
  • Agriculture Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Executive Comment Requested from USDA, Commerce, Interior.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries Management.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock.

  4. Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

  5. Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

  6. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1598-1599)

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Analyze H.R.4854 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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