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Courtesy of NAA:

The National Aquaculture Association (NAA) recently exhibited at the three-day Seafood Expo North America, formerly the International Boston Seafood Show, where booth traffic was higher than ever.  The Expo was bigger and better than ever with 1,203 exhibitors from 51 countries and over 20,000 visitors, 79% of whom were from North America.   China and other countries in Southeast Asia also had a strong presence.

As in previous years, the NAA hosted a booth, answered questions, promoted the NAA website, and distributed materials to help buyers and educators understand the advantages of using U.S. farm-raised seafood. Dr. Gary Fornshell, University of Idaho, and Dr. Anita Kelly, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, assisted NAA staff in answering questions about the US aquaculture industry and its products.

An important trend this year was the positive emphasis on aquaculture. The show provided the opportunity to talk to media folks who were looking for new story lines and more information about aquaculture. This resulted in some excellent exposure for the NAA and the many NAA-developed educational materials. Buyers who visited the booth were looking for sources of species like hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, redfish, and shrimp.

New materials available at the booth included the NAA educational module which consists of a narrated PowerPoint presentation supported by a lesson plan and the brochure aimed at healthcare professionals. The module was developed for educators at the high school, trade school, community college, and Extension level.  It includes information on purchasing and preparing U.S. farm-raised seafood.  There was a renewed interest in the price pins that tout species as being farm-raised in the USA.  The price pins, developed by the NAA, were displayed at several booths throughout the Expo.

Judging from conversations at the show, the time is right for the rapid development of U.S. aquaculture.  Many environmental groups are adopting a positive view of safe, sustainable aquaculture and realize that growers are doing it the right way in the U.S.  Consumers are recognizing the importance of local food production and want sustainably produced products. Chefs are looking for high-end species to add panache to their menus. All of this points to a major growth opportunity for the US aquaculture industry.

For copies of the brochures, price pins or educational materials displayed at the Seafood Expo North America, please contact the NAA.