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I have landed back on the “mainland” from a trip to Hawai’i, hosting our final listening session on the future of NOAA Fisheries Aquaculture–this time focused on the Pacific Islands. Over the last five months, I have traveled across the country and spent hours in virtual spaces, meeting with many of you as part of a nine-part Public Listening session series.

As part of this conversation about our future, we worked closely with regional leaders.  Together, we created space for aquaculture growers, seafood industry workers, researchers, coastal community members, and the general public to share their views on the future of aquaculture at NOAA Fisheries. This includes what aspects of NOAA’s science and services are of most value to the public.

To all who attended and shared your voice, thank you.

I have been inspired and humbled by your feedback. I’ve heard how NOAA is meeting the needs of the aquaculture industry, and where we can improve. These thoughts have been captured. This feedback is critical information that will shape our path as we plan for the future.

Making a living on the water has always been hard. I’ve spent most of my career and education working with aquaculture growers. Part of the reason I was drawn to aquaculture was the five years I spent at sea sailing tall ships for Sea Education Association. You can’t spend that much on the water without developing some tenacity, something I see in every grower I meet. I lean on that tenacity during times like these, as aquaculture lacks the services needed to guarantee success in our changing marketplaces, waterfronts, and global climate.

This is also a pivotal moment for the NOAA Fisheries Aquaculture Program, we have an opportunity to consider our unique role in supporting farmers, while also adding new farmers to our community.  Each region is unique in geography, species, and culture, but all of the growers are united in their passion for aquaculture and delivering safe, sustainable seafood to American plates.

At NOAA we are working to develop science and services that serve you: the aquaculture industry, academics, consumers, and the American public as a whole.

Thank you to all who attended our listening sessions to help shape that vision.

Danielle Blacklock
Director, NOAA Office of Aquaculture