effective techniques for aquaculture information transfer

Information transfer is a central theme of extension, and delivering that information to the appropriate audience in the appropriate fashion is critical to obtaining buy-in and adoption of best practices to generate measurable impacts for the aquaculture industry. Knowing the proper method of program delivery for a given audience is challenging, particularly during an age of rapid technology change. Older extension programs relied on field days, in-person workshop and print publications to gather stakeholders and deliver information. The success of these programs relied on word-of-mouth and paper media outlets, like the newspaper and mailing lists for advertisement. Today's reduced public and private budgets make it difficult to hold an extension event or entice end users to commit time, money and effort to travel to an extension event.

Currently, one of the most cost effective methods of information transfer is streaming audio and video via the internet to a computer, smart phone or other digital device. For extension specialists to successfully maximize their technology transfer capabilities, they must embrace current and audience appropriate technology. Emails, on-line forums and videos, webinars, blogs, and social media have become real-time information streaming opportunities that directly convey information.

During 2016, the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center joined forces with the National Aquaculture Association and the United States Aquaculture Society to develop and deliver a series of 12 aquaculture-related webinars designed to bring together science and business to expand and strengthen the United States aquaculture industry. The target audience included producers currently engaged in aquaculture, those looking to get into business, educators helping others understand aquaculture, and consumers that want to be better educated. The goal was to enhance their knowledge and move them forward on their journey to success. The effectiveness of this communication channel will be presented.