H.R. 628House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

Shellfish Aquaculture Improvement Act of 2021

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 7, 2026 at 9:46 PM UTC

The Shellfish Aquaculture Improvement Act of 2021 changes maritime law so that people working in shellfish and other aquaculture operations are no longer treated as "seamen" for the purpose of suing for injuries or death when they can receive state workers‑compensation benefits. This limits their ability to bring maritime‑law claims and instead directs them to state remedies. The change applies to aquaculture workers employed by commercial farms who do not hold a merchant mariner credential or a specific state aquaculture license.

Key Provisions

Adds a limitation that an aquaculture worker who is eligible for state workers’ compensation is not considered a seaman for liability under maritime law.
Defines “aquaculture worker” as someone employed by a commercial enterprise that cultivates or harvests aquatic plants and animals (including cleaning, processing, canning, and shellfish cultivation) and who does not hold a merchant mariner credential or a license under section 7101(c).
Specifies that the amendment applies to injuries occurring on or after the law’s enactment.

Legislative Activity

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3 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

March 22, 2021

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 28, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

January 28, 2021

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

February 4, 2021

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

March 22, 2021

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 28, 2021

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 628

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 28, 2021

Mr. Young (for himself, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, and Mr. Graves of Louisiana) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To amend title 46, United States Code, to exclude certain aquaculture workers from treatment as seamen for the purpose of liability in the event of injury or death, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Shellfish Aquaculture Improvement Act of 2021.

Limitation on recovery for certain injuries incurred in shellfish aquaculture activities if a State remedy is available

(a)

In general

Section 30104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

by inserting (a) In general.— before the first sentence; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(b)

Limitation on recovery by aquaculture workers

For purposes of subsection (a)—

(1)

In general

The term seaman does not include an individual who—

(A)

is an aquaculture worker if State workers’ compensation is available to such individual; and

(B)

was, at the time of injury, engaged in aquaculture in a place where such individual had lawful access.

(2)

Aquaculture worker defined

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term aquaculture worker means an individual who—

(A)

is employed by a commercial enterprise that is involved in the controlled cultivation and harvest of aquatic plants and animals, including—

(i)

the cleaning, processing, or canning of fish and fish products;

(ii)

the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish; and

(iii)

the controlled growing and harvesting of other aquatic species;

(B)

does not hold a license issued under section 7101(c) of this title; and

(C)

is not required to hold a merchant mariner credential under part F of subtitle II of this title.

(b)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to injuries incurred on or after the date of enactment of this Act.