Advancing Quality U.S. Aquaculture Act

HR 5471 amends the 1980 National Aquaculture Act to update federal support for the U.S. aquaculture industry. It creates a 14-member Aquaculture Advisory Committee to identify capital constraints and regulatory barriers affecting farmers and businesses, particularly in shellfish, algae, and land-based systems. The bill requires the Department to conduct 3-year reviews of aquaculture policies, establish annual reports to Congress on industry support (including spending on purchases, grants, and research), and submit assessments of industry challenges. These changes directly affect aquaculture operators, federal agencies like Commerce and Interior, and the coordination of federal programs supporting the sector.