Blog

Courtesy of NAA and AOP:

Anyone focused on marine aquaculture (farmers, seafood distribution, chefs, extension and research) are invited to participate in a brief survey (available at this website) to help assess and map out who is already working on the areas and activities identified in the draft strategy to amplify current efforts and identify gaps.
 
The U.S. Marine Aquaculture Collaborative Communications Strategy is an effort to garner more support for the growth and expansion of responsible marine aquaculture in the U.S. by facilitating the distribution of accurate information about marine aquaculture to consumers, regulators, policymakers, and the public. It is the product of a discussion that started at a forum held at the Aquarium of the Pacific in October 2018, titled: Aligning Stakeholder Communications for U.S. Marine Aquaculture.
 
The strategy objectives are:

• To create a more predictable permitting framework for responsible U.S. marine aquaculture without compromising the rigor of environmental regulations.
• To promote and facilitate more consumption of responsible U.S. seafood.
• To educate the public about marine aquaculture and its role in a healthy and sustainable food supply.

In addition to a collaborative strategy, a communications toolkit will also be created where collaborators can have access to images, video, fact sheets, workshop reports, and other resources to help ensure that information is accurate and engaging. Content will be available for free with some restrictions to protect content providers and ensure that information is used to convey accurate information about marine aquaculture. 
 
Who should get involved?
The success of this effort depends on the diversity of participants. It is critical that the public is hearing accurate information from their local retailer, favorite restaurant, and when visiting their favorite aquarium. We will need all hands-on deck to help provide and distribute accurate information across these diverse networks:

• Scientists and NGOs can help provide fact sheets and the latest information from aquaculture research.
• Seafood suppliers are the connective tissue between the sources (farms and fisheries) to the chefs and retailers and ultimately the consumers.
• Farms are the front lines and their stories and experiences will play an important role.

Information describing this effort will be presented during Aquaculture 2019 in New Orleans on March 10, 2019 and at Seafood Expo North America in Boston on March 17, 2019. More information is available on the website or contact Kimberly Thompson at kthompson@lbaop.org.