NOAA’s COLLABORATIVE ENGAGEMENT TO ADDRESS THE SIGNIFICANT BARRIER OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION IN AQUACULTURE

Expert analyses show that marine aquaculture can be a resource-efficient, environmentally sustainable form of food production that can play a significant role in increasing seafood supply, improving human nutrition, and creating jobs. However, most of the public still has limited understanding of aquaculture and may encounter information that can be out of date, inaccurate, or incomplete. Public perception of aquaculture is a significant barrier to marine aquaculture development in the United States. Integral to NOAA's aquaculture mission is advancing public understanding of marine aquaculture practices; the associated environmental, social, and economic challenges and benefits; the health benefits of eating seafood; and the science, services, and policies NOAA has to offer in support of aquaculture.

Many stakeholders want to understand the impacts of aquaculture, including an assessment of the risks and the benefits based on the best available science. This is especially important for coastal communities, where aquaculture is a leading employer and part of community culture and history. NOAA's Office of Aquaculture has a responsibility to provide the public with factual, scientific evidence information about aquaculture. This can only be achieved through collaborative engagement with the public we serve. The Office of Aquaculture is currently engaged in ongoing outreach efforts that engage the public with accurate information about the state of marine aquaculture research and management and key initiatives by NOAA and its partners. These efforts include a website redesign, video series for educators and students, CELC network outreach as well as collaboration within NOAA to achieve common goals.