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Below is a message from California Aquaculture Association President, Tony Vaught:

What does the California aquaculture runway look like for 2023? Is it in good condition? Is there adequate ground support? How about the tower? Are we clear for takeoff? Will it successfully operate to allow both arrivals and departures?

My answer would be no, but there is hope.

Aquaculture in California has been poised for success for several decades now. Unfortunately, we still import most of our seafood and export very little. We have successfully exported technology and marketing advise; however, this does not impact the U.S. balance of trade or the economy of our local communities.

The good news is that there is a resurgence of interest in aquaculture by consumers that realize that seafood supplies cannot be solely sourced by wild stocks. Consumers want to evaluate the health benefits of aqua products and the impacts of aquaculture on the environment. They ask, do we want to participate by purchasing products? They are finding that aqua farms can and do thrive and produce nutritious and delicious seafood without environmental harm. In fact, many farms contribute through water quality enhancement (oysters), providing water borrowed by aquaculture to grow other food crops (Sturgeon, catfish, and Largemouth Bass), restorative aquaculture, enhancing wild stocks (white sea bass, trout, and catfish), habitat for wildlife (almost all farms).

The disturbing news is that well-funded and well-organized groups are negatively impacting the impression of aquaculture to the public. This is done by misinformation campaigns targeted to slow or stop aquaculture development. They are winning, just talk to the person on the street and ask what they think of aquaculture. Most know what aquaculture is, only by the misinformation offered by these groups over several mediums.

State Associations like CAA and national associations such as The National Aquaculture Association (NAA) are tirelessly combating misinformation while offering up “the facts” about aquaculture. These association have small, dedicated staff and small budgets. The talent is there as evidenced by how effective they are in distributing the message and supporting real farmers and suppliers to those farmers. They need additional resources to power up their efforts.

My ask in this message is for each one of your that is passionate about aquaculture to support the associations work, financially and with your time. Support your local associations, support those in areas your products are sold and support a national effort to propel the growth of aquaculture.

Become a member at the appropriate level if you are not (strength is in numbers).

If you are a member, send in a few extra dollars (they add up). Membership invoices will be sent January 10th. 

Participate in fund raising efforts by the associations. CAA has a platform to do so please populate it with product. View more here. 

Please stay tuned for specifics on progress made throughout 2023. I see a clear path to a better understanding by the public of how important aquatic foods and products are to our future. There is nothing like a challenge to unify and to succeed. Please respond in a way that will make a difference. Best to all you in 2023.

~ Tony Vaught, President