The Sea Grant listening sessions aim to advance sustainable and equitable coastal and Great Lakes aquaculture systems across the U.S. Pictured: Wellfleet Massachusetts Oyster Farm.
Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Adriane Michaelis.
NOAA Sea Grant is embarking on an ambitious project to shape the future of U.S. aquaculture with the development of a 10-Year Aquaculture Roadmap.
This roadmap aims to guide Sea Grant's investments, addressing key needs and maximizing returns while informing Congress, the aquaculture community, and various governmental agencies about Sea Grant's role in fostering a sustainable U.S. aquaculture industry.
To inform the roadmap, Sea Grant is running a series of virtual listening sessions, inviting participation from the aquaculture community, federal, state, and local agencies, the Sea Grant network, and aquaculture researchers. These 90-minute sessions are organized by specific topics, providing a platform for diverse stakeholders to contribute insights and expertise.
While several sessions have already taken place during June, the final session, focusing on Aquaculture Education and Engagement, is scheduled for Monday, July 8th at 3:30 pm EST (12:30 pm PST/9:30 am HST). This session will cover a wide range of topics including:
Formal, informal, and non-formal K-12 and higher education
Public engagement and training promoting sound science and best practices
Strategies for informed decision-making and increasing aquaculture literacy
Equitable access to services
Economics, marketing, and business management
Workforce and career development
Regulatory advisory services
Production systems
Seafood quality
Species genetics, disease management, and other improvements
Participants will engage in discussions aimed at advancing sustainable and equitable coastal and Great Lakes aquaculture systems across the U.S.
The session is designed to gather valuable input that will shape educational and engagement strategies, ensuring that the aquaculture community is well-informed and equipped to meet future challenges.
To join the final listening session on July 8th, interested participants should register using the following link: Aquaculture Education and Engagement Registration.
NOAA Sea Grant is a Federal-University partnership program that brings science together with communities for solutions that work.
The National Sea Grant College program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1966 and works to create and maintain a healthy coastal environment and economy.
The Sea Grant network consists of federal-university partnerships between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 34 university-based programs in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.
The network draws on the expertise of more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, public outreach experts, educators and students to help citizens better understand, conserve and utilize America’s coastal resources.