Earlier this month, I had a birthday, and as the years continue to accumulate, I find myself reflecting more and more on the choices and path that have led me to where I am today. It’s a time to not only look back, but also look forward — to the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. My journey has been shaped by the people, experiences, and decisions I’ve encountered along the way, many of which were made possible through my involvement with the World Aquaculture Society (WAS). So, as I begin my tenure as President of WAS, I’m not only reflecting on how far we’ve come but also on how we can continue to grow and evolve as a community dedicated to advancing aquaculture.

I still vividly remember attending my first Aquaculture America meeting in Seattle back in 1997 as a student. I wasn’t sure what to expect — certainly not the bare-breasted, paint-covered mermaids protesting outside the venue! But I quickly realized that this was more than just a scientific meeting; it was a chance to connect with aquaculture members (and sometimes their antagonists) from around the world. The relationships I initiated there — whether through WAS mentorship programs or casual chats in the trade show while standing in line for free beer — were nurtured through similar interactions in later meetings and helped lay the foundation for my professional network. Additionally, some of those relationships facilitated my serving WAS in a variety of capacities, whether as a presenter, session chair, technical program chair, steering committee chair, or as an officer at both the Chapter and parent Society levels. Each role offered new opportunities, though often accompanied by additional off-the-clock work, and reinforced my belief that service and leadership in this field aren’t about adding titles to your CV — they’re about giving back, mentoring others, and supporting the next generation of aquaculture professionals.

So when people ask, Why should someone join the World Aquaculture Society? I often reflect on how WAS has shaped my own career. My involvement hasn’t had a singular breakthrough moment, but rather has been defined by the relationships I built, the knowledge I gained, and the ways I was able to contribute. WAS has provided a platform for connecting with people across the globe and exchanging ideas — and, more importantly, it created opportunities to give back to a community that had already given so much to me. That sense of reciprocity is a thread that runs through the membership of our Society.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting WAS opportunities to engage with the global aquaculture community through our chapter events. In October, the Latin American Chapter Meeting in Chile will delve into sustainability and innovation in the region, followed by the Asian Pacific Chapter Meeting in India in November, and the US Chapter Meeting in Las Vegas in February. I encourage you to attend these events to stay updated on trends and technologies but also to capitalize on the value of your WAS membership, not just by taking advantage of the reduced registration costs for members and the free beer but by connecting with colleagues, sharing experiences, and giving back to the WAS community through service and mentorship.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to the World Aquaculture Society. I look forward to collaborating with each of you as we continue to shape the future of aquaculture. — Wendy Sealey, President, World Aquaculture Society