National Aquaculture Policy Act

(Reported to Senate from the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and Commerce, Science, and)

Transportation with amendment, S. Rept. 95-1168

National Aquaculture Policy Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in cooperation with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, other Federal agencies, State aquaculture agencies, and appropriate Regional Fishery Management Councils, to make a comprehensive assessment of aquaculture in the United States and establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan.

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary of the Interior, as the case may be: (1) to provide advisory, educational, and technical assistance with respect to aquaculture; (2) to consult and cooperate with interested persons regarding the development of aquaculture technology; (3) to encourage implementation of aquaculture technology; (4) to conduct scale tests of any aquaculture system for the purpose of assessing its biological and economic feasibility; (5) to produce and sell at cost, seed stock for commercial aquatic species; (6) to develop methods to enhance aquatic species stocks by aquaculture; (7) to carry out studies and research with respect to aquatic species; and (8) to conduct other tests or analyses as necessary. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to: (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center; (2) conduct appropriate surveys; (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of aquaculture information with foreign nations; and (4) conduct a continuing study to determine whether existing capture fisheries could be adversely impacted by competition from products produced by commercial aquaculture enterprises significantly aided by this Act.

Establishes the Interagency Aquaculture Coordinating Committee which shall: (1) insure a continuing exchange of aquaculture information; (2) review the relevant programs and projects; (3) insure that the aquaculture information center is functioning in compliance with policy; and (4) submit a biennial report to Congress on the status of aquaculture in the United States.

Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to carry out any function under this Act through grants to or contracts with Federal or State agencies, Indian tribes, regional commissions, educational institutions, or any person.

Authorizes the Secretaries to guarantee, or make a commitment to guarantee, the payment of interest on, and the principal amount of, any obligation issued by an obligor for any of the following purposes: (1) the financing of construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of any aquaculture facility; (2) the acquisition of stocks of aquatic species; (3) the financing of initial operating expenses of any aquaculture facility; (4) the financing of marketing operations exclusively for aquaculture products; and (5) the refinancing of any existing obligation.

Establishes in the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund, which shall be available to the Secretary as a revolving fund for purposes of carrying out, and administering guarantees of obligations, and establishing and operating aquaculture demonstration projects.

Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.