Aquaculture Extension and Outreach Session

Credible aquaculture outreach information is vital to the success of the U.S. aquaculture industry.  Consumers, distributors, processors and producers need up to date, research based aquaculture information.  Subjects such as product form, preparation, safety, nutrition, production methods and their related environmental impacts, will differentiate U.S. aquaculture goods in the market place from those sourced from other countries and capture fisheries.  Informed aquaculture outreach information delivered from extension, sea grant and industry personnel will expand and strengthen the demand for domestically grown products. Technologies such as social media and webinars, along with more traditional outreach methods, will further encourage markets for U.S. products.  Public outreach personnel are currently challenged by shrinking operating budgets while price competition from fisheries, imported aquaculture products and other sources of animal protein limit domestic aquaculture production.  Effective, widespread public outreach and education methods are critical to expanding and diversifying the U.S. aquaculture industry. This session will organize a program of diverse practices and techniques in order to demonstrate the most effective methods of aquaculture outreach.