A recent article from Sentient Media covers the Keep Finfish Free Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Cory Booker and Dan Sullivan. The legislation would require congressional approval before any new industrial finfish farms could be built in federal waters, which extend 3 to 200 miles offshore in most U.S. states.

The bill has gained support from fishermen, environmental groups, small-scale aquaculture practitioners, chefs, and advocacy organizations, including our own — the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance. James Mitchell, NAMA’s legislative director, told Sentient Media:

“If passed, the Keep Finfish Free Act would check the corporate-driven expansion of intensive fish farming in federally managed waters, thereby protecting our coastal communities and the marine creatures that depend on healthy oceans.”

The Sentient Media article links the bill to a recent executive order from President Trump that calls for reducing regulatory burdens on the seafood industry. That order directed agencies to review and roll back regulations on commercial fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing. It also proposed opening the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.

Graphic of U.S. Capitol by AzamKamolov on Pixabay