Pledging
These are the original issues in this subcategory
- AQUACULTURE FEED
- FARMED SALMON ESCAPE
- AQUACULTURE WASTE
Aquaculture, or commercial fish farming, is a rapidly growing industry that produces much of the seafood products we eat. Most of the shrimp, shellfish, trout and salmon currently consumed by Americans are raised either in large enclosed pens, ponds or land-based fish farms. Both of these systems often discharge large amounts of nutrients, chemicals and waste into our local waterways. Among other problems, these discharges may cause algal blooms which reduce oxygen in the water and kill marine life. It has been estimated that a farm with 20,000 salmon creates more waste than a city of 60,000 people.
It has recently been decided to allow commercial fish farming to operate in federal waters. However, some farmers are moving their farms out of the ocean and onto land, away from sensitive habitats. With these land-based systems, farmers can filter and treat wastewater, and reduce their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Opponents of large aquafarms warn of significant damage to coastal environments from large volumes of wastewater that is constantly released from these operations.
Pending Legislation: S.1529 - Keep Finfish Free Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Cory Booker (NJ)
Status: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Chair: Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)
It has recently been decided to allow commercial fish farming to operate in federal waters. However, some farmers are moving their farms out of the ocean and onto land, away from sensitive habitats. With these land-based systems, farmers can filter and treat wastewater, and reduce their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Opponents of large aquafarms warn of significant damage to coastal environments from large volumes of wastewater that is constantly released from these operations.
Pending Legislation: S.1529 - Keep Finfish Free Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Cory Booker (NJ)
Status: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Chair: Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)
- I oppose reforming current marine aquaculture waste policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader John Thune (SD).
- I support banning federal agencies from authorizing or facilitating commercial finfish farming (aquaculture) in federal waters, ensuring such activities only happen through explicit Congressional authorization, and addressing concerns about environmental impacts like pollution, disease, and depletion of wild fish stocks by: 1.) Prohibiting federal agencies from issuing permits or any approvals for offshore finfish farms. 2.) Allowing commercial finfish aquaculture operations only if Congress passes a specific federal statute authorizing such operations after the enactment of this bill. 2.) Addressing concerns that large farms create dead zones, spread disease to wild populations, and rely heavily on wild fish for feed. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
- I support banning federal agencies from authorizing or facilitating commercial finfish farming (aquaculture) in federal waters, ensuring such activities only happen through explicit Congressional authorization, and addressing concerns about environmental impacts like pollution, disease, and depletion of wild fish stocks by:
1.) Prohibiting federal agencies from issuing permits or any approvals for offshore finfish farms.
2.) Allowing commercial finfish aquaculture operations only if Congress passes a specific federal statute authorizing such operations after the enactment of this bill.
2.) Addressing concerns that large farms create dead zones, spread disease to wild populations, and rely heavily on wild fish for feed.
And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
You May Pledge Your Support For This Issue With A Monetary
Donation And By Writing A Letter To Your Representatives
Donation And By Writing A Letter To Your Representatives
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Pledge Period - Opening Date
December 29, 2025
Pledge Period - Closing Date
January 4, 2026
Trustee Election - Begins
January 5, 2026