PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Aug 5, 2025
Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act or the SEAS Act
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase support for aquaculture grants and assistance. Aquaculture is the controlled breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and sea vegetables.
Specifically, the bill directs USDA to give aquaculture producers the same consideration as animal agriculture producers in awarding grants or other assistance. Further, USDA must ensure adequate and fair funding levels are provided to aquaculture producers under USDA programs. USDA must also provide its staff with specific education and trainings on aquaculture.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
USDA must make competitive grants (e.g., to regional aquaculture centers or nonprofit organizations) to develop next generation technology to reduce pollution and fuel usage in the seafood and aquaculture industries. Further, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative program grants must address methods of increasing the survival rate and adaptability of shellfish, including resistance to heat, disease, salinity, and acidification.
In addition, the federal crop insurance program (FCIP) must research and develop a policy to insure aquaculture products. Further, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (the agency that finances FCIP operations) must establish a policy to insure aquaculture products.
USDA must submit to Congress (1) an annual report that includes information on USDA seafood and aquaculture purchases and grants, and (2) a report on USDA's role in supporting aquaculture and the seafood industry.
People & committees
Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6] · D–NJ
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Feb 24, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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