U.S. Restorative Aquaculture

Together, we can realize a future where our ocean is healthier because of how we produce food, not despite it.

Aquaculture represents one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. When practiced with nature in mind, it can deliver high-quality protein while also providing social and environmental benefits. The United States has the potential to be a world leader in sustainable seafood production through restorative aquaculture—farming methods that not only minimize environmental impacts but actively improve ocean health and community wellbeing.

From 2024 to 2025, TNC, in collaboration with industry stakeholders and academic institutions, completed a scenario planning exercise to identify two future states of restorative aquaculture to 2035: a Probable/Business-As-Usual (BAU) and a Preferable-and-Plausible future. Using multiple methods, including an online survey and regional workshops, this research revealed optimism across all stakeholder groups. Using multiple methods, including an online survey and regional workshops, this research revealed optimism across all stakeholder groups, including regluatory challenges, limited financial support, and public perception.

Without addressing these barriers, restorative aquaculture in the United States will see only modest, uneven growth, with continued industry consolidation and limited environmental benefits. To support continued exploration of this approach, we pinpointed promising interventions across investment, research, regulation, market development, training, and Indigenous knowledge and leadership. If implemented, these changes could substantially boost restorative aquaculture acreage, production, and benefits, while supporting thousands of sustainable jobs in coastal communities.