USDA is Leaving Seafood Behind — And That Needs to Change

fish537
Jul 30
4 min read

Posted on July 30, 2025

When most people think of the U.S. food system, they picture rolling fields of grain, fruit-filled orchards, or Midwestern livestock farms. But what about the ocean? What about the thousands of fishermen working every day to bring some of the healthiest, most climate-smart protein to American tables?

A new study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems reveals how underfunded and overlooked the seafood sector is when it comes to federal food system support. The study, led by Dr. Joshua Stoll and the Social Oceans Lab at the University of Maine, examined USDA grant funding from 2018 to 2023, and the results are difficult to overlook.

0.5% of USDA Food Grants Went to Seafood. That’s not a typo; that's half a percent.

Between 2018 and 2023, the USDA awarded over $31.2 billion in food system grants across four key agencies:

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Rural Development (RD)

Of that enormous pool of public investment, only 0.5%—$261.7 million—went to seafood-related projects. And here’s the kicker:

78% of that seafood funding went to aquaculture (i.e., farmed fish, shellfish, and kelp)
Only 3% went to wild-capture fisheries
The rest? Unspecified.

That’s right: wild fisheries received just 3% of half a percent of the funding dedicated to America’s food systems, despite their critical role in nutrition, food security, and rural livelihoods. Across the U.S., and especially in Alaska, wild capture fisheries are not only a cornerstone of economic and cultural life but also a vital source of protein and micronutrients for domestic and global markets. Communities throughout the state of Alaska maintain centuries-old harvesting traditions, stewarding marine resources that help feed school lunch programs, local pantries, and urban food hubs.

Yet this sector, which produces some of the healthiest and most climate-friendly food on Earth, receives only a negligible fraction of federal food systems support. This is all the more striking given that Alaska alone accounts for 60% of U.S. seafood production, and U.S. fisheries are among the most sustainably managed in the world. Wild fisheries aren’t looking to divert funds from aquaculture or agriculture—they simply want to be recognized as a central pillar of food security in Alaska and across America.

Why Is Seafood Getting Sidelined?

There is no single reason why the USDA has not prioritized seafood in its food system programs. However, through interviews and in-depth research, the study uncovered a complex web of systemic barriers.

Confusion about eligibility: Many USDA grant programs don’t clearly specify if seafood is included or excluded, causing applicants to be unsure.

Misalignment with fishing realities: Grants often favor land-based, large-scale farming models, rather than those that support small-scale, local fishing practices. Fishing, especially wild capture, is dynamic, seasonal, and community-driven, making it a tough fit for strict grant criteria.
Strange definitions: The USDA defines “local food” as coming from within 400 miles, but that doesn’t accurately reflect how seafood supply chains operate, especially in coastal and remote areas.
Lack of USDA understanding: Many agency staff members are simply unfamiliar with seafood systems, which leads to confusion, misclassification, or outright denial of strong support proposals.
No support infrastructure: Unlike agriculture, the seafood industry lacks extension services, technical assistance networks, and boundary organizations that help translate policy into practical access.

Where the Money Goes

Most seafood-related grants went to businesses (53%) and universities (32%). States such as Maine, Washington, Alaska, and Mississippi received the most seafood-related grants in terms of number. In actual dollar amounts, Maryland, Washington, and Maine led the way.

Interestingly, USDA funding for food systems overall increased by 161.5% between 2018 and 2023, mainly due to emergency COVID-19 relief. However, while the overall budget increased, the portion allocated to seafood remained unchanged. The number of seafood-related grants remained unchanged.

Why This Matters for Coastal Communities

Fishermen and seafood producers do more than just feed us. They support jobs, protect working waterfronts, and act as frontline stewards of ocean ecosystems. However, when it comes to USDA funding, resources that influence everything from market access to food security, fishing communities find themselves shut out. This lack of support isn’t just unfair, it’s shortsighted. As we face unprecedented climate, supply chain, and workforce challenges in our food system, ignoring one of our most sustainable and nutrient-rich protein sources isn’t just a missed opportunity; it’s a policy failure.

As we work to correct this imbalance, it’s essential to acknowledge that wild seafood stakeholders aren’t seeking to divert funds from farmers or aquaculture. What we want is a place alongside our fellow food producers, in policy, fiscal support, and strategy for food secure communities and a healthy nation.

The Good News? Change Is on the Table.

Momentum is building in Congress to address this gap.

In 2023, Sen. Dan Sullivan (AK) introduced the National Seafood Supply Act, which would establish a dedicated Office of Seafood Policy and Program Integration at USDA.
Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK), Susan Collins (ME), and Angus King (ME) recently reintroduced the Working Waterfronts Act, which would ensure seafood projects are clearly eligible for USDA grant programs and better aligned with how fishing communities actually operate.

These bills reflect growing bipartisan recognition that seafood is a vital part of the U.S. food system and that coastal communities deserve a fair opportunity to access USDA funding.

What Needs to Happen Next

The new research offers a roadmap to fix the problem. It includes several actionable recommendations:

Clarify seafood eligibility across all USDA food system programs
Revisit USDA definitions like “local food” and “value-added” to include seafood
Invest in technical assistance and build trusted “boundary organizations” to help fishing communities navigate USDA processes
Train USDA staff to better understand seafood supply chains
Systematically track seafood-related grants to ensure accountability and equity

Seafood has long been marginalized in the USDA’s food system programs. But the tide could be turning. With new research, stronger advocacy, and bipartisan support in Congress, there’s an opportunity to bring seafood into the spotlight and create a more equitable, climate-resilient food future. If the USDA is serious about feeding the nation and strengthening rural economies, it’s time to put seafood on the plate.

Photo Courtesy of Erik Velsko