Understanding Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in Southern California
Background on Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs)
On May 7, 2020, the White House introduced an Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth (E.O. 13921). This directive required the Secretary of Commerce to pinpoint geographic regions suitable for commercial aquaculture, specifically termed Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs). An AOA is defined as a previously evaluated geographic area with potential viability for commercial aquaculture operations.
The primary aim of establishing AOAs is to bolster American seafood competitiveness, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth while ensuring the sustainability of marine resources. As part of this initiative, the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region identified ten AOAs in the federal waters of Southern California on September 19, 2025.
For further details on AOAs, explore the National AOA page or refer to the National AOA Fact Sheet.
Environmental Impacts and Studies
In line with the E.O. 13921, NOAA employed thorough scientific analysis and public engagement to assess areas that could be environmentally, socially, and economically conducive to commercial aquaculture. The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) initiated a marine spatial planning process, utilizing a combination of relevant data layers, including administrative boundaries, military, navigation, transportation, and oceanographic factors to ensure comprehensive assessment.
The findings culminated in the creation of an Aquaculture Opportunity Area Atlas published in 2021, offering peer-reviewed technical data that informed decision-makers on potential AOA locations in the Southern California Bight. This Atlas highlighted areas with significant potential for supporting multiple marine aquaculture initiatives while minimizing conflicts with existing oceanic uses.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of a proposed action prior to implementation. Following E.O. 13921, NOAA developed a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) in accordance with NEPA. This document evaluates the environmental consequences of identifying AOAs in Southern California’s federal waters, emphasizing long-term planning without initiating any regulatory permits or approvals for individual aquaculture projects.
The NEPA process began in 2022 with a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare a PEIS, which invited public comments during a 60-day period. Feedback collected was instrumental in shaping the analysis featured in the Public Scoping Report.
Through the public scoping process, NOAA sought input regarding various aspects of offshore marine aquaculture, encompassing risks, benefits, and long-term developmental visions for the region. Collaborating with multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA ensured a comprehensive approach to the planning of AOAs.
Draft and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
In 2024, NOAA released the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (DPEIS), addressing potential AOAs within the Santa Barbara Channel (SBC) and Santa Monica Bay (SMB). The DPEIS analyzed ten identified areas—eight in SBC and two in SMB—while considering three primary action alternatives for aquaculture operations.
Following a 90-day public comment period, the Final PEIS (FPEIS) was published in 2025. The FPEIS encompasses responses to comments on the DPEIS and further supports NOAA’s decision-making.
On September 10, 2025, NOAA Fisheries formally documented their decision to proceed with Alternative 4b, permitting all types of aquaculture in both the Santa Barbara Channel and Santa Monica Bay. It is important to note that the AOAs established do not exhaust the possibilities for suitable aquaculture sites, enabling future evaluations and growth in this sector.
Get More Information
For those seeking additional insights on Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, please reach out to the California Regional Aquaculture Coordinator:
Celia Barroso
Celia.Barroso@noaa.gov
(562) 432-1850
By advancing aquaculture practices in designated Opportunity Areas, Southern California strives towards not just improved seafood competitiveness, but a sustainable future for marine resources and local communities alike.
