H.R. 4898 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Agriculture, Aug 5, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryBoosts support for fish and seafood farming
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to treat aquaculture producers—people who raise fish, shellfish, and sea vegetables in controlled environments—the same way it treats traditional animal farmers when it comes to grants and assistance. The bill requires the department to fund aquaculture fairly, train its staff on aquaculture practices, and support research into new technologies that reduce pollution and fuel use in the seafood industry. It also requires the federal crop insurance program to develop insurance options for aquaculture products.
How it affects you
If you're an aquaculture producer or work in fish and shellfish farming, this bill could mean better access to government grants and funding that were previously easier for traditional farmers to get. For most other people, the changes won't have a direct effect, though they could eventually influence the availability and sustainability of farmed seafood products.
Read the official summary (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.
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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 4898
A BILL
Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act
Sponsor: Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6) · Introduced Aug 5, 2025 · Agriculture and Food · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Aug 5, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.”