November 2, 2026 — In response to recent reporting on environmental and labor concerns associated with international fish farming and seafood supply chains overseas, the National Aquaculture Association (NAA) of the United States (US) emphasized the importance of expanding responsible, well-regulated aquaculture production in the country.
According to them, the recent reporting involving forced labor, unsustainable fishing practices, and environmental degradation warrants serious attention. However, these practices should not be used to characterize an entire global sector that includes wholly diverse species, production systems, and regulatory environments.
“Serious problems in poorly regulated international supply chains should not be used to discredit responsible American aquaculture producers who operate under some of the world’s most stringent environmental and regulatory standards” said Caitlyn Czajkowski, Executive Director of the National Aquaculture Association.
“The United States has the regulatory framework, scientific expertise, and responsible producers needed to safely expand sustainable aquaculture production. We should be growing more seafood here at home, not allowing the failures of irresponsible operations overseas to define our sector,” she added.