H.R. 5746

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5746 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5746

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 14, 2025

Mr. Ezell (for himself, Mrs. Cammack, Mr. Case, Mr. Panetta, and Mr. 
Weber of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to 
the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on 
Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by 
the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

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.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Marine Aquaculture 
Research for America Act of 2025'' or the ``MARA Act of 2025''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Purposes.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--OFFICE OF AQUACULTURE

Sec. 101. Office of Aquaculture.
TITLE II--COMMERCIAL-SCALE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

Sec. 201. Assessment program for offshore aquaculture.
Sec. 202. Permits for demonstration projects for offshore aquaculture 
facilities.
Sec. 203. Coordination of permit reviews for demonstration projects.
Sec. 204. Reporting by assessment program participants.
Sec. 205. Rule of construction; savings provisions.
TITLE III--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, FINANCING, AND OTHER SUPPORT

Sec. 301. General support for industry.
Sec. 302. Aquaculture Centers of Excellence.
Sec. 303. Working Waterfronts Preservation Grant Program.
Sec. 304. Outreach on sustainable offshore aquaculture.
TITLE IV--STUDIES AND REPORTS

Sec. 401. Study on offshore aquaculture by Ocean Studies Board of the 
National Academies of Sciences, 
Engineering, and Medicine.
Sec. 402. Report on offshore aquaculture by Government Accountability 
Office.

SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to establish and study commercial-scale 
demonstration projects to answer scientific questions needed to 
safely and sustainably regulate offshore aquaculture in the 
United States;
(2) to commission a study and report to assess the 
environmental and regulatory viability of a United States 
offshore aquaculture industry;
(3) to support aquaculture workforce development and 
working waterfronts by creating new jobs and to support 
existing jobs and businesses within the seafood industry of the 
United States, including jobs and businesses for traditional 
participants in the fishing industry;
(4) to establish Aquaculture Centers of Excellence to meet 
the needs of the growing domestic sustainable aquaculture 
industry; and
(5) to reduce the United States seafood trade deficit by 
expanding the domestic supply of seafood through the production 
of sustainable offshore aquaculture.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
Administrator of the Administration.
(3) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation, the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Natural Resources, the 
Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives.
(4) Aquaculture.--The term ``aquaculture''--
(A) means any activity involved in the propagation, 
rearing, or attempted propagation or rearing, of 
cultured species, including the capture and rearing of 
broodstock; and
(B) does not include the practice of--
(i) capturing juvenile finfish to rear to 
maturity in an aquaculture facility for 
subsequent commercial sale; or
(ii) the practice of rearing and releasing 
cultured species for the purpose of enhancing 
wild populations.
(5) Aquaculture stakeholder.--The term ``aquaculture 
stakeholder'' means--
(A) an owner or operator of an offshore aquaculture 
facility;
(B) a Regional Fishery Management Council 
established under section 302(a) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1852(a));
(C) an interstate fisheries commission;
(D) a conservation organization;
(E) a fisheries association;
(F) a State or county government;
(G) an Indian Tribe;
(H) a Native Hawaiian organization;
(I) a Native Hawaiian community;
(J) a Tribal or Indigenous community;
(K) a Federal or State agency with interests in 
aquaculture; or
(L) any other interested party.
(6) Coastal state.--The term ``coastal State'' has the 
meaning given the term ``coastal state'' in section 304(4) of 
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453(4)).
(7) Cultured species.--The term ``cultured species''--
(A) means any species propagated and reared for 
marine aquaculture;
(B) includes larval marine shellfish species that 
self-recruit in the offshore environment; and
(C) excludes any member of the class Aves, 
Reptilia, or Mammalia.
(8) Escape.--The term ``escape'' means the escape of 
juvenile-or adult-farmed organisms, viable gametes, or 
fertilized eggs spawned by farmed organisms from offshore 
aquaculture facilities.
(9) Exclusive economic zone.--
(A) In general.--Unless otherwise specified by the 
President in the public interest in a writing published 
in the Federal Register, the term ``exclusive economic 
zone'' means a zone, the outer boundary of which--
(i) except as provided by clause (ii), is 
200 nautical miles from the baseline from which 
the breadth of the territorial sea is measured; 
or
(ii)(I) if an applicable maritime boundary 
treaty is in force or is being provisionally 
applied by the United States, is established by 
that treaty; or
(II) in the absence of such a 
treaty and in a case in which the 
distance between the United States and 
another country is less than 400 
nautical miles, is a line equidistant 
between the United States and the other 
country.
(B) Inner boundary.--Without affecting any 
Presidential proclamation with regard to the 
establishment of the United States territorial sea or 
exclusive economic zone, the inner boundary of the 
exclusive economic zone is--
(i) in the case of the coastal states, a 
line coterminous with the seaward boundary of 
each such State, as described in section 4 of 
the Submerged Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1312);
(ii) in the case of the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, a line 9 nautical miles from the 
coastline of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(iii) in the case of American Samoa, the 
United States Virgin Islands, or Guam, a line 3 
geographic miles from the coastlines of 
American Samoa, the United States Virgin 
Islands, or Guam, respectively; or
(iv) in the case of the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands--
(I) the coastline of the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands, until the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands is granted 
authority by the United States to 
regulate all fishing to a line seaward 
of its coastline; and
(II) upon the United States grant 
of such authority, the line established 
by such grant of authority.
(C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this 
paragraph may be construed to diminish the authority of 
the Department of Defense, the Department of the 
Interior, or any other Federal agency.
(10) Fishery stakeholders.--The term ``fishery 
stakeholders'' means--
(A) subsistence fishery participants and their 
dependents;
(B) fishing vessel crews;
(C) fish processor and distribution workers;
(D) recreational fisheries;
(E) Tribal fisheries; and
(F) territorial fishing communities, including such 
communities in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the 
United States Virgin Islands.
(11) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(12) Institution of higher education.--The term 
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that 
term in section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1001).
(13) Native hawaiian community.--The term ``Native Hawaiian 
community'' means the distinct Native Hawaiian indigenous 
political community that Congress, exercising its plenary power 
over Native American affairs, has recognized and with which 
Congress has implemented a special political and trust 
relationship.
(14) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native 
Hawaiian organization'' has the meaning given that term in 
section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) and includes the Department of Hawaiian 
Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
(15) National sea grant college program.--The term 
``national sea grant college program'' means the program 
maintained under section 204(a) of the National Sea Grant 
College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(a)).
(16) Offshore aquaculture.--The term ``offshore 
aquaculture'' means aquaculture conducted in the exclusive 
economic zone.
(17) Offshore aquaculture facility.--The term ``offshore 
aquaculture facility'' means--
(A) an installation or structure used, in whole or 
in part, for offshore aquaculture; or
(B) an area of the seabed, water column, or the 
sediment used for offshore aquaculture.
(18) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
States, the District of Columbia, and each commonwealth, 
territory, or possession of the United States.
(19) Tribal fishery.--The term ``Tribal fishery'' means a 
fishery that is--
(A) owned, operated, or managed by a Tribal or 
Indigenous community; or
(B) located in an area--
(i) that is subject to the jurisdiction of 
an Indian Tribe; and
(ii) for which the Indian Tribe has 
sovereign authority over fishing activity in 
the area.
(20) Tribal land.--The term ``Tribal land'' means land that 
is subject to the jurisdiction of an Indian Tribe.
(21) Tribal or indigenous community.--The term ``Tribal or 
Indigenous community'' means a population of people who are--
(A) enrolled members of an Indian Tribe;
(B) members of an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian 
community or organization; or
(C) members of any other community of Indigenous 
people located in a State.

TITLE I--OFFICE OF AQUACULTURE

SEC. 101. OFFICE OF AQUACULTURE.

(a) Establishment.--There is established within the headquarters of 
the National Marine Fisheries Service of the Administration the Office 
of Aquaculture (in this section referred to as the ``Office'').
(b) Resources.--The Administrator shall ensure the Office is 
provided with sufficient resources to carry out the duties of the 
Office under subsection (d).
(c) Representation at Regional Fisheries Offices.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall provide for 
representation of the Office in each of the regional fisheries 
offices of the Administration.
(2) Minimum presence.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
Administrator--
(A) shall provide for the placement of at least one 
regional aquaculture coordinator from the Office in 
each regional fisheries office;
(B) shall otherwise ensure that the representation 
of the Office at a regional fisheries office is, at a 
minimum, sufficient to permit the Office to fulfill the 
duties of the Office under subsection (d); and
(C) may increase that representation to the extent 
warranted by the activity and interest of aquaculture 
stakeholders in the region.
(d) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Office shall--
(A) coordinate the implementation of this Act, 
including administration of--
(i) the aquaculture research program 
established under subsection (e);
(ii) the offshore aquaculture assessment 
program established under section 201; and
(iii) the issuance of permits under section 
202;
(B) coordinate regulatory, scientific, outreach, 
and international issues related to aquaculture within 
the Administration;
(C) collaborate with and leverage existing efforts 
by the national sea grant college program--
(i) to conduct outreach, education, 
extension services, and training efforts for 
aquaculture and offshore aquaculture; and
(ii) to engage with aquaculture 
stakeholders and, from time to time, convene 
conferences for aquaculture stakeholders to 
exchange information and ideas;
(D) maintain aquaculture capacity in the regions 
covered by the regional fisheries offices of the 
Administration;
(E) develop recommendations for performance 
standards for offshore aquaculture operations that, at 
a minimum--
(i) encourage development of offshore 
aquaculture in a manner that complies with 
environmental law;
(ii) are based on the best scientific 
information available;
(iii) take into account traditional 
knowledge of Tribal and Indigenous communities 
as appropriate to the region;
(iv) are adaptive to offshore aquaculture 
developments, such as updates in technology and 
changes in environmental conditions; and
(v) prefer species that are native or 
historically naturalized to the region; and
(F) prioritize the health of cultured species.
(2) Agreements with states.--
(A) In general.--Upon request of the Governor of a 
coastal State, the Office shall enter into an agreement 
with the State to allow the State, and aquaculture 
stakeholders in the State as appropriate, to 
participate in the activities authorized under sections 
201 and 203 and titles III and IV, as though--
(i) the aquaculture conducted in the 
State's coastal waters were offshore 
aquaculture; and
(ii) facilities for aquaculture in the 
State's coastal waters were offshore 
aquaculture facilities.
(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this 
paragraph or in any agreement entered into under this 
paragraph shall be construed to affect the authority of 
the Administrator to issue permits for or regulate 
aquaculture in State waters, except as expressly 
provided in such an agreement.
(e) Aquaculture Research Program and Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish, and 
provide resources (in addition to the resources required under 
subsection (b)) for, an aquaculture research program that draws 
upon the scientific capacity of programs of the Administration, 
such as the Fisheries Science Centers, the national sea grant 
college program, and the National Centers for Coastal Ocean 
Science, to support the efforts of the Office to implement this 
Act.
(2) Functions.--As part of the aquaculture research program 
established under paragraph (1), the Office shall--
(A) ensure that commercial-scale offshore 
aquaculture demonstration projects for which permits 
are issued under section 202 are scientifically 
monitored to support the implementation of this Act;
(B) evaluate data;
(C) conduct additional research to support the 
development of sustainable offshore aquaculture;
(D) administer support for industry under section 
301;
(E) administer the Aquaculture Centers of 
Excellence under section 302;
(F) administer the contract to conduct the study 
described in section 401; and
(G) coordinate the engagement of the Administration 
with the Comptroller General of the United States as 
the Comptroller General prepares the report required by 
section 402.
(f) Budget Request.--The Administrator shall include, in the budget 
justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget 
of the President for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 
31, United States Code, a request for funding for the Office as a 
separate line item with the National Marine Fisheries Service.

TITLE II--COMMERCIAL-SCALE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

SEC. 201. ASSESSMENT PROGRAM FOR OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE.

(a) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an 
assessment program (in this section referred to as the ``assessment 
program'') with the objective of assessing the viability of offshore 
aquaculture--
(1) in light of changing circumstances and advances in 
technology; and
(2) using the best available science, information from 
aquaculture stakeholders, and information developed from 
demonstration projects for which permits are issued under 
section 202.
(b) Elements.--At a minimum, the assessment program shall examine 
the following in order to determine the viability of offshore 
aquaculture:
(1) The ability of different commercial-scale facility 
designs and operational methods--
(A) to survive various atmospheric and ocean 
conditions to the extent possible, including high wind 
speeds or high-energy ocean conditions associated with 
severe weather, or tidal or tsunami activity, without--
(i) escapes;
(ii) loss of or damage to infrastructure; 
or
(iii) wildlife entanglement resulting from 
loss or damaged infrastructure;
(B) to prevent adverse wildlife impacts to the 
extent possible, including entanglements of large 
whales, sea turtles, and other species protected 
under--
(i) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); and
(ii) the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 
1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.);
(C) to prevent adverse impacts on the marine 
environment to the extent possible, including impacts 
to habitat, water chemistry, and wildlife; and
(D) to prevent adverse impacts on navigation and 
safety, to the extent possible, to existing ocean users 
due to offshore aquaculture facilities, including 
requirements for operations, navigation, and transit 
associated with such facilities.
(2) The ability of different technologies to provide 
reliable and timely data on offshore aquaculture facilities, 
including visual data and other relevant data types, on a 
regular basis to enable the Administrator to monitor--
(A) the compliance of demonstration projects for 
which permits are issued under section 202 with the 
requirements under subsection (b) of such section;
(B) impacts on the marine environment; and
(C) interference with existing uses of the water 
bodies in which demonstration projects for which 
permits are issued under section 202 are located.
(3) The relative risks, benefits, and costs of various 
types of offshore aquaculture, including different species of 
finfish in different geographies and under varying climactic 
and ecological conditions.
(c) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
which the Administrator establishes the assessment program, the 
Administrator shall publish, make available to the public, and submit 
to the National Academy of Sciences and the Comptroller General of the 
United States, a report that includes the following:
(1) A description of each demonstration project for which a 
permit is issued under section 202, including documentation 
supporting the issuance of the permit.
(2) A summary of the information submitted to the 
Administrator for each such demonstration project.
(3) A description of the progress made toward meeting the 
objective described in subsection (a).

SEC. 202. PERMITS FOR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS FOR OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE 
FACILITIES.

(a) Issuance of Permits.--After the Administrator establishes the 
assessment program under section 201, the Administrator shall issue 
permits for demonstration projects for proposed offshore aquaculture 
facilities in furtherance of the assessment program.
(b) Eligibility Requirements.--To be eligible for the issuance of a 
permit under subsection (a), a demonstration project is required to--
(1) advance the objective described in section 201(a);
(2) cultivate only native or historically naturalized 
species that pose a minimal threat of harm to wildlife and the 
ecosystem in which the project is located;
(3) incorporate design and operational practices that 
minimize the risk of escape, wildlife entanglement, and adverse 
pollution impacts;
(4) develop an escape response and infrastructure loss or 
damage plan that minimizes the impact of any escapes or 
infrastructure loss or damage on the marine environment and on 
other uses of the water body in which the project is located;
(5) comply with all applicable requirements of--
(A) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) (commonly referred to as the 
``Clean Water Act'');
(B) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.);
(C) the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.); and
(D) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(6) maximize compatibility with, and prevent or minimize 
displacement of, existing uses and users of the marine 
environment in the near vicinity of where the project is 
located;
(7) conform to best practices to avoid or minimize the use 
of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals and minimize the 
release of such pharmaceuticals into the environment; and
(8) be designed and managed in partnership with--
(A) a land-grant college or university (as defined 
in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
3103));
(B) a historically Black college or university (as 
defined by the term ``part B institution'' in section 
322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1061));
(C) a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 
of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 
1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)); or
(D) a sea grant college (as defined in section 203 
of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 
U.S.C. 1122)).
(c) Authorized Activities.--A person that holds a permit for a 
demonstration project issued under subsection (a) may conduct offshore 
aquaculture consistent with--
(1) this Act, including regulations prescribed to carry out 
this Act; and
(2) other applicable provisions of law, including 
regulations.
(d) Applications.--A person seeking a permit for a demonstration 
project shall submit to the Administrator an application that 
specifies--
(1) the proposed location of the offshore aquaculture 
facility and the location of on-shore facilities used for 
propagation or rearing of cultured species, such as hatcheries 
or research operations;
(2) the type of aquaculture operations that will be 
conducted at all facilities described in paragraph (1);
(3) the cultured species, or a specified range of species, 
to be propagated or reared, or both, at the offshore 
aquaculture facility;
(4)(A) the source of eggs, larvae, or juvenile cultured 
species that will be used in offshore aquaculture operations;
(B) an analysis of the likely ecosystem impacts of 
such operations, such as the spread of pathogens; and
(C) the information upon which the analysis was 
based;
(5) plans to respond to--
(A) a natural disaster;
(B) an escape;
(C) disease;
(D) loss or damage to infrastructure; and
(E) other circumstances designated by the 
Administrator; and
(6) such other design, construction, and operational 
information as the Administrator may require to ensure the 
integrity of the operations and contingency planning.
(e) Notice, Public Comment, and Objections.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall--
(A) not later than 90 days after receiving an 
application under this section, publish in the Federal 
Register a notice summarizing the application; and
(B) invite and consider public comments, and formal 
objections from any Governor or Tribal leader of a 
specially affected coastal jurisdiction, on 
applications for permits under this section.
(2) Specially affected coastal jurisdiction.--In this 
subsection, the term ``specially affected coastal 
jurisdiction'' means any coastal State or Indian Tribe--
(A) the land, Tribal land, or waters of which--
(i) are adjacent to the Federal waters in 
which the project will be conducted; and
(ii) are used, or are scheduled to be used, 
as a support base for the project; and
(B) for which there is a reasonable probability of 
significant effect on uses of land, Tribal land, or 
water from the project.
(f) Priority Consideration.--In considering applications for 
permits for demonstration projects under this section, the 
Administrator shall give priority consideration to applications for 
demonstration projects--
(1) owned or operated by applicants who can demonstrate 
that the demonstration project will directly benefit 
individuals who are already participating in the agricultural, 
wild-caught fishery, or aquaculture industries who have been 
negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, natural 
disasters, or major disasters declared under section 401 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
(42 U.S.C. 5170); or
(2) sited within an Aquaculture Opportunity Area identified 
by the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with section 7 of 
Executive Order 13921 (16 U.S.C. 1801 note; relating to 
promoting American seafood competitiveness and economic 
growth).
(g) Socioeconomic Data.--In considering applications for permits 
for demonstration projects under this section, and to support the study 
described in section 401, the report required by section 402, and the 
assessment program established under section 201, the Administrator 
shall collect socioeconomic data associated with the owner or operator 
of, and communities employed or otherwise affected by, each 
demonstration project.
(h) Decisions With Respect to Issuance, Deferral, or Denial.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the 
conclusion of the period for public comments under subsection 
(e) with respect to an application for a permit for a 
demonstration project under this section, the Administrator 
shall--
(A) issue the permit, if the Administrator 
determines the application complies with the 
requirements of this Act, the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and other 
applicable law;
(B) if the Administrator determines that the 
application does not comply with the requirements 
described in subparagraph (A) and can be modified to 
comply with those requirements--
(i) defer the decision on the permit; and
(ii) provide to the applicant a notice that 
specifies modifications to the proposed 
demonstration project needed for a permit to be 
issued; or
(C) if the Administrator determines that the 
application does not comply with the requirements 
described in subparagraph (A) and that the application 
cannot be modified to comply with such requirements, 
deny the permit and provide a justification for the 
denial.
(2) Other approval.--
(A) In general.--An application for a permit for a 
demonstration project under this section shall be 
considered approved, as if a permit for the application 
had been issued under paragraph (1)(A), if--
(i) the Administrator does not take action 
under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of 
paragraph (1) within 90 days after the 
conclusion of the period for public comments 
under subsection (e) with respect to the 
application;
(ii) no formal objection to the application 
has been received from the Governor or Tribal 
leader of a specially affected coastal 
jurisdiction (as defined in subsection (e)); 
and
(iii) the Administrator has determined that 
the application complies with the requirements 
described in paragraph (1)(A).
(B) Process.--The Administrator shall establish a 
process for the approval of applications under this 
paragraph.
(i) Effective Period.--A permit for a demonstration project issued 
under this section--
(1) shall be in effect during the 10-year period beginning 
on the date on which the project begins in-water operations; 
and
(2) may be renewed as provided by subsection (k).
(j) Renewal.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator may renew a permit, that 
has not been revoked, for a demonstration project issued under 
this section for an additional 10-year period after the 10-year 
period described in subsection (i)(1) if--
(A) the owner or operator of the project submits to 
the Administrator a proposal for renewal of the permit 
by a date determined by the Administrator; and
(B) the Administrator determines that the permit, 
as modified by the proposal, remains in compliance with 
the requirements described in subsection (j)(1).
(2) Notice and public comment.--The Administrator shall--
(A) publish in the Federal Register a notice 
summarizing each proposal received under paragraph (1) 
with respect to the renewal of a permit;
(B) invite public comments for a period of not less 
than 60 days regarding each such proposal; and
(C) consider such comments in determining whether 
to approve the renewal of the permit.
(k) Authority To Modify or Terminate Participation of Demonstration 
Projects and Order Removal of Facilities.--The Administrator may 
require modifications to a demonstration project for which a permit is 
issued under this section, terminate such a permit, or order the 
removal of an offshore aquaculture facility authorized to operate under 
such a permit, if--
(1)(A) the project incurs an incident involving a death or 
serious personal injury and the Administrator determines that 
negligence of the project operator was the cause of or a 
contributing factor to the incident;
(B) operation of the project results in a violation 
of--
(i) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
(ii) the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 
1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.);
(C) the owner or operator of the project fails to 
comply with all of the terms and conditions of--
(i) the permit; or
(ii) modifications required by the 
Administrator under this subsection; or
(D) the Administrator determines that operation of 
the demonstration project would be unsafe or result in 
unacceptable negative impacts to--
(i) the marine environment;
(ii) nearby communities; or
(iii) other users of the water body in 
which the project is located; and
(2) before requiring a modification to the demonstration 
project, terminating the permit, or ordering the removal of the 
offshore aquaculture facility--
(A) the Administrator provides a warning notice to 
the owner or operator of the project; and
(B) the owner or operator is given an opportunity 
to address the Administrator's concerns.
(l) Coastal Zone Management Act Review.--The submission of an 
application for a permit for a demonstration project under this section 
shall trigger the right of review by a coastal State under the Coastal 
Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.).

SEC. 203. COORDINATION OF PERMIT REVIEWS FOR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.

(a) In General.--The Administration shall serve as the lead Federal 
agency for purposes of providing information on Federal permitting 
requirements for demonstration projects under section 202.
(b) Informal Consultations.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall convene 
representatives of the agencies described in paragraph (2) to 
provide prospective applicants for permits for demonstration 
projects under section 202 an opportunity for informal 
consultation with such agencies.
(2) Agencies described.--The agencies described in this 
paragraph are the following:
(A) The Department of Agriculture.
(B) The Environmental Protection Agency.
(C) The Army Corps of Engineers.
(D) The Department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating.
(E) The Department of Defense.
(F) Any other agency the Administrator considers 
appropriate.
(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall 
preclude an applicant or a prospective applicant from 
contacting Federal agencies directly.
(c) Environmental Analysis.--To the extent allowable under the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), any 
environmental analysis or environmental impact statement required under 
that Act for offshore aquaculture activities proposed to be carried out 
under a demonstration project under section 202 shall be conducted 
through a single, consolidated environmental review and the 
Administration, through the Office of Aquaculture established by 
section 101, shall serve as the lead Federal agency.
(d) Coordination of Permit Reviews.--To the extent practicable 
under this Act and all other applicable laws, including regulations, 
Federal agencies with permitting requirements applicable to offshore 
aquaculture activities proposed to be carried out under a demonstration 
project under section 202 shall coordinate their review processes in 
order to provide a timely response to an applicant not later than 180 
days after the submission of the application.

SEC. 204. REPORTING BY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which a 
demonstration project for which a permit is issued under section 202 
commences, and annually thereafter until the demonstration project 
terminates, the owner or operator of the demonstration project shall 
submit to the Administrator the following:
(1) Production data.
(2) Information on interactions with wild species, 
mitigation measures taken, and the results of such interactions 
and measures.
(3) Information on technology and operational practices 
used to measure and monitor--
(A) effluent;
(B) integrity of cage materials and other gear; and
(C) health of the cultivated species.
(4) Information on environmental and ecosystem impacts.
(5) Data necessary for the Ocean Studies Board of the 
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to 
complete the study described in section 401.
(6) Owner, operator, and employee demographic data and 
other relevant data as determined appropriate by the 
Administrator for purposes of assessing--
(A) the direct benefits of the demonstration 
project to fishery stakeholders; and
(B) the economic and social benefits of the 
demonstration project for nearby coastal communities.
(7) Information on navigation and safety impacts to 
existing ocean users.
(8) Such additional information as the Administrator 
requires to fulfill the goals and objective of the assessment 
program established under section 201.
(b) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator shall, upon request, 
provide technical assistance to owners and operators of demonstration 
projects for which permits are issued under section 202 to comply with 
the reporting requirements of this section.
(c) Emergency Reporting.--The Administrator shall establish an 
emergency reporting process for each owner or operator of a 
demonstration project for which a permit is issued under section 202 to 
immediately report suspected or known interactions between project 
facilities or vessels and protected wild species.

SEC. 205. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION; SAVINGS PROVISIONS.

(a) Rule of Construction.--Any requirement in this title to 
identify or consider an impact or effect on human health or the 
environment shall be construed as including a requirement to make such 
identification or consideration while taking into account--
(1) the cumulative impact of such impact or effect in the 
context of all sources of emissions, discharges, or releases 
from any source, past, present, or in the reasonably 
foreseeable future, on the affected environment and population;
(2) any characteristics of such environment and population 
that may heighten vulnerability to environmental pollution and 
related health risks; and
(3) any action or practice that, even if appearing neutral, 
has the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination on 
the basis of race, color, or national origin.
(b) Statutory Construction.--A permit for a demonstration project 
issued under section 202 shall not supersede or substitute for any 
other authorization required under Federal or State law.
(c) Applicability.--This title does not apply with respect to 
applications for a permit in process on the date of the enactment of 
this Act or permits that are in effect on that date.

TITLE III--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, FINANCING, AND OTHER SUPPORT

SEC. 301. GENERAL SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY.

(a) In General.--The Administrator shall support the development of 
offshore aquaculture consistent with this Act and other applicable 
Federal law.
(b) Marketing and Promotion Grants.--The Administrator, in 
consultation with private sector aquaculture stakeholders, shall 
establish and administer a grant program to support the sale and public 
perception of cultured species domestically and internationally.
(c) Workforce Development Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
private sector operators of offshore aquaculture facilities, 
academic institutions, and the national sea grant college 
program, shall establish and administer a grant program to 
support the education and training of individuals with the 
skills needed to manage and operate offshore aquaculture 
facilities.
(2) Aquaculture centers of excellence.--The Administrator 
may carry out paragraph (1) through the program established 
under section 302(b)(1).
(d) Regional Networks.--The Administrator, through each regional 
fisheries office of the Administration, shall organize a network of--
(1) regional experts and Federal agency contacts, in 
coordination with relevant organizations, including the 
national sea grant college program, the Regional Aquaculture 
Centers of the Department of Agriculture, institutions of 
higher education, and the Cooperative Extension System of the 
Department of Agriculture, to provide technical expertise and 
extension services for offshore aquaculture and information on 
Federal permit requirements for offshore aquaculture; and
(2) individuals and businesses interested in aquaculture 
operations and products to facilitate professional development, 
marketing, mentoring opportunities, and agency outreach and 
education on aquaculture.
(e) Aquaculture Database.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish and 
maintain an aquaculture database within the Office of 
Aquaculture established by section 101.
(2) Inclusions.--The database required by paragraph (1) 
shall include information on research, technologies, monitoring 
techniques, best practices, and advisory board recommendations 
relating to aquaculture and offshore aquaculture.
(3) Safeguarding of information.--The Administrator shall 
make the database required by paragraph (1) available in a 
manner that safeguards personally identifiable information and 
confidential business information.
(4) Patents.--The inclusion of information in the database 
required by paragraph (1) shall not be considered to be 
publication for purposes of subsection (a) or (b) of section 
102 of title 35, United States Code.
(f) Technical Assistance Programs for Operators.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator, through the Office of 
Aquaculture established by section 101 and the regional 
aquaculture coordinators described in such section, shall 
organize a program in each regional fisheries office of the 
Administration to provide technical assistance to operators of 
offshore aquaculture facilities.
(2) Tailoring.--The programs required by paragraph (1) 
shall be tailored to meet the unique needs of each region.
(3) Consultations.--Under each program required by 
paragraph (1), the regional aquaculture coordinators described 
in section 101 may conduct consultations with the operator of 
each offshore aquaculture facility in the region concerned on a 
regular basis--
(A) to assess the status of the operator's 
business; and
(B) if appropriate, to identify available resources 
to support the operator, such as regional experts, 
university extension agents, and grant opportunities.
(g) Capital Markets.--
(1) Provision of information.--In order to enhance access 
to capital markets, the Administrator shall provide financial 
institutions and investment firms with objective, science-based 
information on offshore aquaculture and the Federal regulatory 
regime for offshore aquaculture.
(2) Economic analysis.--The Administrator shall provide 
economic analysis to answer queries regarding the value of 
offshore aquaculture assets to secure financing, such as 
equipment, governmental permits, inventory, and intellectual 
property.
(3) Collaboration.--In order to achieve the goals of this 
subsection, the Administrator is encouraged to collaborate with 
the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Treasury, 
and the regional networks established under subsection (d).

SEC. 302. AQUACULTURE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered institution.--The term ``covered institution'' 
means--
(A) a minority-serving institution;
(B) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution;
(C) an Alaska Native-serving institution;
(D) a historically Black college or university; or
(E) a Tribal college or university.
(2) Historically black college or university.--The term 
``historically Black college or university'' has the meaning 
given the term ``part B institution'' in section 322 of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).
(3) Minority-serving institution.--The term ``minority-
serving institution'' means an eligible institution described 
in paragraph (2), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of section 371(a) of 
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
(4) Tribal college or university.--The term ``Tribal 
college or university'' means a Tribal College or University 
(as defined in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b))) that is chartered by the governing 
body of the applicable Indian Tribe or by the Federal 
Government.
(b) Aquaculture Curriculum Grants.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation 
with private sector aquaculture stakeholders, academic 
institutions, and the national sea grant college program, shall 
establish a program to award grants to covered institutions to 
assist in establishing or enhancing an aquaculture curriculum 
for undergraduate, graduate, or certificate courses of study at 
such covered institutions.
(2) Aquaculture centers of excellence.--A covered 
institution that receives a grant under this section shall be 
known as an ``Aquaculture Center of Excellence''.
(3) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
this section, a covered institution shall submit to the 
Administrator an application that includes any plans to partner 
with one or more other institutions of higher education as 
authorized under paragraph (5).
(4) Use of grant amounts.--
(A) In general.--A covered institution receiving a 
grant under this section shall use the grant amounts to 
establish or enhance an aquaculture curriculum for 
undergraduate, graduate, or certificate courses of 
study that may include the following:
(i) Training in various skills needed by 
successful aquaculture entrepreneurs, 
including--
(I) offshore aquaculture 
operations;
(II) business management, strategic 
planning, business plan development, 
capital financing and fundraising, 
financial management and accounting, 
market analysis and competitive 
analysis, and market entry and strategy 
execution; and
(III) any other skill specific to 
the needs of the student population and 
the surrounding community, including 
with respect to social and 
environmental sustainability, as 
determined by the covered institution.
(ii) Natural and social science research 
programs in aquaculture and natural fisheries, 
including offshore aquaculture.
(iii) Development of extension programs (or 
cooperation with existing extension programs) 
that--
(I) educate and engage community 
members, including elementary and 
secondary school students, on 
aquaculture and aquaculture career 
pathways; and
(II) transfer newly developed 
techniques and research information 
developed or collated at the covered 
institution to aquaculture 
stakeholders.
(iv) Career development, such as the 
establishment of cooperatives, apprenticeships, 
internships, practicums, mentorships, 
accelerators, or grant competitions.
(B) Limitations on use of grant amounts.--Amounts 
from a grant awarded under this section may be used 
only for expenses directly related to the 
implementation of the curriculum or activities 
authorized under this section.
(5) Partnerships.--In applying for grants and carrying out 
activities with grant amounts under this section, a covered 
institution may partner with one or more other institutions of 
higher education with established aquaculture programs, 
including institutions of higher education not otherwise 
eligible for grants under this section, to facilitate the 
sharing of resources and knowledge necessary for the 
development or enhancement of aquaculture curriculum at the 
covered institution.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended.

SEC. 303. WORKING WATERFRONTS PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.

The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.) is 
amended by inserting after section 306A (16 U.S.C. 1455a) the 
following:
``(c) Working Waterfronts Grant Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation 
with covered entities, Federal agencies the Secretary 
determines appropriate, and interested coastal stakeholders 
with expertise in working waterfronts planning, establish a 
regionally equitable and competitive grant program, to be known 
as the `Working Waterfronts Grant Program'.
``(2) Uses.--The Secretary may award grants under this 
subsection to eligible covered entities--
``(A) to implement or revise an approved working 
waterfronts plan of such eligible covered entity, 
including--
``(i) acquiring a working waterfront or an 
interest in a working waterfront;
``(ii) making improvements to a working 
waterfront, including constructing or repairing 
wharfs, boat ramps, or related facilities; or
``(iii) carrying out necessary climate 
adaptation mitigation activities for a working 
waterfront; or
``(B) to develop a working waterfronts plan of such 
eligible covered entity under subsection (b).
``(3) Application.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible for a grant under 
this subsection, an eligible covered entity shall 
submit an application to the Secretary--
``(i) that, if applicable, is consistent 
with the management program of the eligible 
covered entity approved under section 306; and
``(ii) in such form, at such time, and 
containing such information as the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
``(B) Deadline.--Not later than 60 days after the 
date on which the Secretary receives an application for 
a grant under this paragraph, the Secretary shall 
approve or reject such application.
``(4) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall, in consultation 
with the entities described in paragraph (1), issue guidelines 
regarding the implementation of the grant program.
``(5) Criteria.--In awarding a grant to an eligible covered 
entity, the Secretary shall take into account the following 
criteria:
``(A) The economic, cultural, and historical 
significance of working waterfronts to the eligible 
covered entity.
``(B) The demonstrated working waterfronts needs of 
the eligible covered entity, as described in the 
approved working waterfronts plan of the eligible 
covered entity, if any.
``(C) The ability of the eligible covered entity to 
meet the matching requirement under paragraph (10).
``(D) The potential for rapid turnover in the 
ownership of relevant working waterfronts, and, if 
applicable, the need for the eligible covered entity to 
respond quickly when property in an existing or 
potential working waterfront area or public access 
area, as identified in the approved working waterfronts 
plan of the eligible covered entity, if any, comes 
under threat of conversion to incompatible uses or 
becomes available for purchase.
``(E) As applicable, the impact of the approved 
working waterfronts plan of the eligible covered 
entity, if any, on the coastal ecosystem and working 
waterfronts of the eligible covered entity and the 
users of the coastal ecosystem of the eligible covered 
entity.
``(6) Other technical and financial assistance.--
``(A) In general.--Upon the request of an eligible 
covered entity that is awarded a grant under this 
subsection, the Secretary shall provide to such 
eligible covered entity technical assistance--
``(i) to identify and obtain sources of 
Federal technical or financial assistance other 
than that provided under this subsection to 
develop a working waterfronts plan for approval 
under subsection (b) or to implement or revise 
an approved working waterfronts plan;
``(ii) to develop a working waterfronts 
plan for approval under subsection (b);
``(iii) to implement or revise an approved 
working waterfronts plan;
``(iv) to integrate resilience planning 
into working waterfronts preservation efforts 
of such eligible covered entity;
``(v) to develop additional tools to 
protect working waterfronts;
``(vi) regarding guidance for best storm 
water management practices with regard to 
working waterfronts; or
``(vii) to collect and disseminate best 
practices regarding working waterfronts and 
resilience planning.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary may use not more 
than 5 percent of the amounts made available under this 
subsection in each fiscal year to provide technical 
assistance under this paragraph.
``(7) Public access requirement.--A project carried out 
with a grant awarded under this subsection, other than a 
project that involves commercial fishing or other industrial 
access points to which the eligible covered entity determines 
public access would be unsafe, shall provide for the expansion, 
improvement, or preservation of reasonable and appropriate 
public access to coastal waters at or in the vicinity of 
working waterfronts.
``(8) Limitation on acquisition.--An eligible covered 
entity that is awarded a grant under this subsection, or any 
entity to which such eligible covered entity allocates a 
portion of such grant under paragraph (9), may use such grant 
award to acquire title to or an interest in a working 
waterfront, including an easement, only--
``(A) for fair market value from a willing seller; 
or
``(B) for less than fair market value from a seller 
that certifies to the Secretary that the seller is 
willing and is not subject to coercion.
``(9) Allocation.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible covered entity that 
is awarded a grant under this subsection may allocate a 
portion of such grant award to a unit of State or local 
government, a nonprofit organization, a fishing 
cooperative, or any other appropriate entity for the 
purpose of carrying out this subsection if such 
eligible covered entity ensures that any such allocated 
grant award is used consistently with this subsection.
``(B) Identified working waterfronts.--The 
Secretary shall encourage each eligible covered entity 
that is awarded a grant under this subsection to 
equitably allocate such grant award among working 
waterfronts identified in the approved working 
waterfronts plan of each such eligible covered entity, 
if any.
``(10) Matching requirement.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the Federal share of a project 
carried out with a grant awarded under this subsection 
may not exceed 75 percent.
``(B) Waiver of matching requirement.--The 
Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph 
(A)--
``(i) with respect to an eligible covered 
entity that is awarded a grant under this 
subsection that has designated a qualified 
holder that is located within--
``(I) a disadvantaged community; or
``(II) a community that has an 
inability to draw on other sources of 
funding because of the small population 
or low income of the community; or
``(ii) for any other reason the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
``(C) Non-federal share.--An eligible covered 
entity that is awarded a grant under this subsection 
may satisfy the non-Federal share of a project carried 
out with a grant awarded under this subsection through 
in-kind contributions and other noncash support, 
including the following:
``(i) The value, as determined by an 
appraisal performed at such time before the 
award of the grant as the Secretary determines 
appropriate, of a working waterfront or an 
interest in a working waterfront, including 
conservation and other easements, that is held 
in perpetuity by a qualified holder, if the 
working waterfront or interest in a working 
waterfront--
``(I) is identified in the grant 
application; and
``(II) is acquired by the qualified 
holder not later than 3 years after--
``(aa) the grant award 
date; or
``(bb) the date of the 
submission of such application 
and before the end of the 
initial 5-year period for which 
the approved working 
waterfronts plan associated 
with the grant application, if 
any, is effective.
``(ii) The costs, including cash or in-kind 
contributions, associated with the acquisition, 
restoration, or enhancement of or making other 
improvements to a working waterfront or an 
interest in a working waterfront, if--
``(I) such costs are identified in 
the grant application; and
``(II) the costs are incurred--
``(aa) before the end of 
the initial 5-year period for 
which the approved working 
waterfronts plan associated 
with the grant application, if 
any, is effective; or
``(bb) for working 
waterfronts described in clause 
(i), within the time limits 
described in that clause.
``(11) Working waterfront covenants.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible covered entity that 
is awarded a grant under this subsection may use such 
grant award with respect to a working waterfront only 
for which each person other than the eligible covered 
entity that holds title to or an interest in such 
working waterfront enters into a working waterfront 
covenant.
``(B) Violation.--
``(i) In general.--An eligible covered 
entity may determine, on the record after an 
opportunity for a hearing, that a working 
waterfront covenant of the eligible covered 
entity has been violated.
``(ii) Reversion; conveyance; right of 
immediate entry.--If an eligible covered entity 
makes a determination under clause (i) that a 
violation described under that clause has 
occurred--
``(I) all right, title, and 
interest in and to the working 
waterfront covered by the violated 
working waterfront covenant shall 
revert to the eligible covered entity;
``(II) the eligible covered entity 
may convey the working waterfront or 
interest in the working waterfront to a 
qualified holder; and
``(III) the eligible covered entity 
shall have the right of immediate entry 
onto the working waterfront covered by 
the violated working waterfront 
covenant.
``(12) Terms and conditions.--The Secretary shall subject 
each grant awarded under this subsection to such terms and 
conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure 
that each such grant is used for purposes consistent with this 
section.
``(13) Report.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall biennially 
submit to Congress a report regarding the 
implementation of this subsection, which shall 
include--
``(i) an evaluation, based on performance 
measures developed by the Secretary, of the 
effectiveness of the grant program in 
accomplishing the purposes of this subsection;
``(ii) an account of all expenditures under 
this subsection; and
``(iii) descriptions of each project 
carried out using a grant awarded under this 
section.
``(B) Alternative manner of submission.--The 
Secretary may submit each report required under 
subparagraph (A) by including the information required 
under that subparagraph in each report required under 
section 316.
``(14) Administrative expenses.--The Secretary may use not 
more than 5 percent of the amounts made available under this 
subsection in each fiscal year to pay the administrative 
expenses necessary to carry out this subsection.
``(15) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out 
this subsection $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 
through 2029.
``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Approved working waterfronts plan.--The term 
`approved working waterfronts plan' means a working waterfronts 
plan that is approved by the Secretary under subsection (b).
``(2) Coastal indian tribe.--The term `coastal Indian 
Tribe' means an Indian Tribe with respect to which land owned 
by the Indian Tribe, held in trust by the United States for the 
Indian Tribe, or held by the Indian Tribe and subject to 
restrictions on alienation imposed by the United States or the 
reservation of the Indian Tribe is located within a coastal 
state.
``(3) Coastal users.--The term `coastal users' means--
``(A) persons that engage in commercial or 
recreational fishing;
``(B) recreational fishing and boating businesses; 
and
``(C) boatbuilding, aquaculture, and other water-
dependent, coastal-related businesses.
``(4) Covered entity.--The term `covered entity' means--
``(A) a coastal state;
``(B) a coastal Indian Tribe; or
``(C) a Native Hawaiian organization.
``(5) Eligible covered entity.--The term `eligible covered 
entity' means a covered entity that--
``(A) has an approved working waterfronts plan;
``(B) is in the process of developing a working 
waterfronts plan for approval under subsection (b); or
``(C) has a coastal land use plan that the 
Secretary determines is sufficient for the purposes of 
this section.
``(6) Grant program.--The term `grant program' means the 
grant program established under subsection (c).
``(7) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the 
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(8) Native hawaiian organization.--The term `Native 
Hawaiian organization' means a nonprofit organization--
``(A) that serves the interests of Native 
Hawaiians;
``(B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in 
substantive and policymaking positions;
``(C) that is recognized for having expertise in 
Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including 
tourism; and
``(D) is located within a coastal state.
``(9) Qualified holder.--The term `qualified holder' 
means--
``(A) a unit of local government of a covered 
entity, if the covered entity is a coastal state; or
``(B) a nonprofit organization;
that is designated by a covered entity in the approved working 
waterfronts plan of the covered entity to carry out some or all 
of the functions of the covered entity under the grant program 
if the covered entity applies for and is awarded a grant under 
the grant program, including holding title to or an interest in 
a working waterfront acquired with a grant awarded under the 
grant program.
``(10) Task force.--The term `Task Force' means the task 
force established under subsection (a)(1).
``(11) Disadvantaged community.--The term `disadvantaged 
community' means a community the Secretary determines, based on 
appropriate data, indices, and screening tools, is 
economically, socially, or environmentally disadvantaged.
``(12) Working waterfront.--The term `working waterfront' 
means real property (including support structures over water 
and other facilities) that--
``(A) provides access to coastal waters by coastal 
users; and
``(B) is used for, or supports, commercial and 
recreational fishing, recreational fishing and boating 
businesses, and boatbuilding, aquaculture, and other 
water-dependent, coastal-related business.
``(13) Working waterfront covenant.--The term `working 
waterfront covenant' means an agreement in recordable form 
entered into between a person that holds title to or an 
interest in a working waterfront and a covered entity that is 
awarded a grant under the grant program or a qualified holder 
of such covered entity that provides such assurances as the 
Secretary determines necessary to ensure the following:
``(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the 
title to or interest in the working waterfront will be 
held by an entity that is subject to such agreement in 
perpetuity.
``(B) The working waterfront will be managed in a 
manner that is consistent with the purposes of this 
section, and the working waterfront will not be 
converted to any use that is inconsistent with this 
section.
``(C) If the title to or interest in the working 
waterfront is subsequently sold or otherwise 
exchanged--
``(i) each party involved in such sale or 
exchange shall accede to such agreement; and
``(ii) funds equal to the fair market value 
of the title to or interest in the working 
waterfront shall be paid to the Secretary by 
the parties to the sale or exchange, and such 
funds shall be, at the discretion of the 
Secretary, paid to the relevant covered entity 
or a qualified holder of such covered entity 
for use in the implementation of the approved 
working waterfronts plan of the covered entity.
``(D) Such agreement shall be subject to 
enforcement and oversight by the covered entity or by 
another person as the Secretary determines 
appropriate.''.

SEC. 304. OUTREACH ON SUSTAINABLE OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE.

(a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct outreach on 
sustainable offshore aquaculture to promote understanding, science-
based decision making, and commercial adoption.
(b) Engagement.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator 
shall use appropriate means to engage--
(1) the general public;
(2) community leaders;
(3) governmental officials;
(4) the business community;
(5) the academic community; and
(6) the nonprofit sector.

TITLE IV--STUDIES AND REPORTS

SEC. 401. STUDY ON OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE BY OCEAN STUDIES BOARD OF THE 
NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND 
MEDICINE.

(a) In General.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into a 
contract with the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of 
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (in this section referred to as the 
``Board'') under which the Board shall, not later than 5 years after 
the date on which the Administrator establishes the assessment program 
under section 201--
(1) complete a study to develop the scientific basis for 
efficient and effective regulation of offshore aquaculture; and
(2) submit to Congress and make publicly available the 
results of the study.
(b) Elements.--The study completed pursuant to subsection (a) 
shall, with respect to offshore aquaculture--
(1) identify--
(A) optimal methods of operation of offshore 
aquaculture facilities to limit adverse effects on the 
environment, wildlife, and human well-being, 
including--
(i) considerations to guide siting 
decisions of such facilities;
(ii) appropriate stocking densities; and
(iii) opportunities for selective breeding;
(B) a science-based definition of ``responsible 
offshore aquaculture feed or other inputs'', including 
guidance on sourcing feed or other inputs to address 
long-or short-term concerns, including the availability 
and scalability of such inputs;
(C) potential adverse effects on the environment, 
wildlife, and human well-being, including from--
(i) the use of antibiotics and other 
pharmaceuticals by offshore aquaculture 
facilities, including through analyses 
necessary to establish acceptable rates, impact 
levels, and risk thresholds, such as analyses 
of organism antibiotic consumption or 
metabolization versus excretion to the 
surrounding environment;
(ii) assimilation of pollution originating 
from offshore aquaculture facilities on marine 
organisms;
(iii) abandoned, lost, damaged or otherwise 
discarded equipment;
(iv) harmful interactions with wildlife;
(v) interbreeding between cultured species 
and native marine species;
(vi) the spread of disease from cultured 
species to wild species;
(vii) the collection and removal of brood 
stock for offshore aquaculture operations, and 
hatcheries and prestocking rearing operations 
that are specific to offshore aquaculture;
(viii) large-scale cultivation of filter-
feed bivalve organisms and seaweed;
(ix) offshore aquaculture facilities acting 
as aggregating devices and increasing the 
vulnerability of wild fisheries and wildlife 
populations to fishing or other sources of 
mortality;
(x) predator control devices and methods; 
and
(xi) the use of non-sustainable sources of 
feed or other inputs, including the use of 
globally limited marine resources for feed 
ingredients, and scalability of alternatives, 
including--
(I) novel ingredients (for example, 
insect, single cell protein, and 
algae);
(II) traditional ingredients (for 
example, soya); and
(III) other inputs;
(D) potential methods and technologies to mitigate 
adverse effects, including the effects identified under 
subparagraph (C);
(E) potential conflicts between offshore 
aquaculture facilities and other users of the offshore 
environment, and solutions to mitigate such conflicts;
(F) the types of data and qualitative information 
necessary for the optimal operation of offshore 
aquaculture facilities and appropriate methods of 
procuring such data and information, including from--
(i) citizen science (as defined in section 
402(c) of the Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science 
Act (15 U.S.C. 3724(c))); and
(ii) the traditional knowledge of Tribal 
and Indigenous communities; and
(G) best practices for offshore aquaculture siting 
and operations to manage and plan for predicted changes 
in global atmospheric and oceanographic conditions; and
(2) provide recommendations for legislative or 
administrative action with respect to--
(A) methods of operation identified under paragraph 
(1)(A);
(B) mitigating adverse effects identified under 
paragraph (1)(C);
(C) environmental standards, control rules, or 
reference points that build on the existing public and 
private standards for the sustainability of offshore 
aquaculture; and
(D) ensuring that operators of offshore aquaculture 
facilities adhere to international standards for social 
responsibility, public health, and equitable labor 
practices, including with respect to sourcing inputs 
for such facilities.

SEC. 402. REPORT ON OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE BY GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 
OFFICE.

(a) In General.--Not later than 5 years after the date on which the 
Administrator establishes the assessment program under section 201, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report examining the permitting, 
monitoring, and regulation of offshore aquaculture during the 15-year 
period ending on such date of establishment.
(b) Bases of Report.--The Comptroller General shall base the report 
required by subsection (a) on available literature, case studies, and 
aquaculture stakeholder input.
(c) Elements of Report.--The report required by subsection (a) 
shall--
(1) assess the feasibility and potential positive and 
negative implications of designating a lead agency to issue 
permits for offshore aquaculture operations in a timely manner;
(2) identify lessons learned during the period described in 
subsection (a) with respect to--
(A) the effect of offshore aquaculture type, 
location, and regulatory framework on the success of 
offshore aquaculture projects;
(B) the degree of involvement of coastal or 
adjacent States or Tribal or Indigenous communities in 
consultations for, planning for, or operations of 
offshore aquaculture;
(C) safety protocols and risk mitigation measures 
for the permitting and oversight processes for offshore 
aquaculture, including--
(i) escape prevention measures;
(ii) emergency event response planning;
(iii) compliance monitoring, particularly 
in remote locations;
(iv) compliance with Federal laws;
(v) mechanisms for reporting to appropriate 
Federal authorities; and
(vi) vessel navigation aids to ensure 
navigational safety;
(D) the effect of incentives to reduce adverse 
effects or disparate impacts from offshore aquaculture 
operations;
(E) building and optimizing synergies between 
offshore aquaculture and wild-caught fishing 
activities, or offshore, nearshore, and onshore 
aquaculture activities, including market development, 
increasing seafood consumption, and shared 
infrastructure;
(F) the environmental effects of offshore 
aquaculture operations, including mechanisms to prevent 
harm to the environment, wildlife, or human well-being;
(G) the net economic and social benefits of 
offshore aquaculture projects, particularly for nearby 
communities and fishery stakeholders, based on project 
size, regulatory structures, and financing structures;
(H) the impact of introducing offshore aquaculture 
products to the marketplace on supply and demand for 
wild-capture fisheries products, and methods for 
ensuring resiliency and growth for both offshore 
aquaculture and wild-capture fisheries products;
(I) mechanisms to enhance capital investment, 
workforce development, and equitable opportunity 
requirements or assistance programs in the permitting 
process for offshore aquaculture, or to diversify 
permit applicants;
(J) outstanding needs for continued research, 
development, education activities, programs, and 
funding regarding--
(i) offshore aquaculture projects; and
(ii) development of the domestic workforce 
and entrepreneurship related to offshore 
aquaculture;
(K) the economic potential for both large- and 
small-scale offshore aquaculture operations to generate 
a positive return on investment under various 
regulatory and financing structures;
(L) the applicability and sufficiency of existing 
regulatory systems for offshore aquaculture; and
(M) existing local, State, Federal, and foreign 
regulatory standards that may serve as models for 
efficient and effective regulation of offshore 
aquaculture; and
(3) include such recommendations as the Comptroller General 
may have with respect to future offshore aquaculture 
operations, including with respect to--
(A) regulatory processes necessary for permitting, 
monitoring, and oversight, including processes and 
techniques related to siting, deployment, operations, 
and decommissioning;
(B) potential safeguards, data collection, or 
monitoring required to minimize disparate impacts on 
specially affected coastal jurisdictions (as defined in 
section 202(e)), fishery stakeholders, local economies, 
marine environments, and existing domestic economic 
sectors;
(C) mechanisms for optimizing coordination among 
Federal agencies with a role in permitting or 
supporting offshore aquaculture without compromising 
the goals of such permitting;
(D) methods for effectively involving aquaculture 
stakeholders, including--
(i) specially affected coastal 
jurisdictions (as defined in section 202(e));
(ii) local communities;
(iii) regional offshore waters users and 
management groups, including regional fishery 
management councils; and
(iv) users of local, State, Tribal, and 
Federal waters and coastal resources;
(E) best practices for incorporating local 
knowledge, including from Tribal or Indigenous 
communities;
(F) capabilities of Federal agencies that are 
necessary for effective regulation of the offshore 
aquaculture sector; and
(G) how creating private rights of action or 
waiving sovereign immunity would affect the development 
of offshore aquaculture projects and the acceptance of 
such projects by nearshore and offshore waters user 
groups and coastal communities.
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