Texas Aquaculture Producers Sought Federal Disaster Aid

The state's aquaculture delegation visited Washington to advocate for expanded disaster relief programs.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Aquariums

Screen-print poster illustration of a weathered metal aquaculture feed hopper on a wooden pier, evoking coastal industry. — The Texas Aquaculture Association is lobbying federal officials to expand the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program to include marine aquaculture producers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government expand disaster assistance programs to cover all agricultural producers?

The Texas Aquaculture Association met with federal policymakers to request that marine aquaculture producers be included in the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). Currently, the program only provides disaster assistance to freshwater farm-raised fish producers.

Why it matters

Marine aquaculture operations in Texas suffer significant economic losses due to cormorant predation, an issue currently outside the scope of existing federal safety nets. Expanding eligibility would provide financial relief to the state's marine fish and shrimp farmers.

Texas leads the nation in the production of redfish, hybrid striped bass, and farm-raised shrimp, while ranking fourth in catfish output. Freshwater producers currently qualify for ELAP, but marine operations remain excluded.

The players

Texas Aquaculture Association

This trade organization represents the interests of the state's aquaculture producers in legislative and regulatory matters.

USDA Office of Seafood

This federal office oversees programs and policies related to the domestic production and safety of seafood products.

NOAA Office of Aquaculture

This agency provides scientific research and policy support to promote the sustainable development of U.S. marine aquaculture.

The details

Representatives from companies including Homegrown Seafood, Gulf States Aquaculture, and Mat-Bay Seafood met with members of Congress, the USDA, and NOAA. They presented evidence on how cormorant depredation negatively impacts their marine aquaculture viability.

A delegation from the Texas Aquaculture Association traveled to Washington during September 2026.

Culture Shift

The push for ELAP expansion follows the precedent set by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, which provides relief to traditional livestock and freshwater fisheries. This attempt to include marine producers signals a broader effort to modernize agricultural disaster support for the growing marine aquaculture sector.

A change in federal policy would provide vital financial protection to Texas-based marine farmers facing heavy losses from wildlife predation. For residents, this could stabilize local seafood supplies and help sustain the economic viability of aquaculture operations across the state.

The takeaway

The aquaculture industry is actively engaging federal agencies to address gaps in disaster assistance coverage that threaten domestic production. Producers looking for relief should track ongoing legislative discussions regarding potential amendments to the ELAP framework.