Southeast Aquaculture Communications Collaborative

Project Abstract:

The purpose of this project is to strengthen the support for aquaculture as a sustainable and valuable industry sector and ultimately increase the demand for aquaculture–based products and boost local economies in states and territories in the U.S. Southeast through a directed and intensive regional education and marketing campaign. These efforts are needed as the U.S. is a net importer of fish and seafood products, with the majority sourced from overseas aquaculture operations. To increase the supply of domestically sourced fish and seafood (among a suite of other valuable products) that can improve health, environment and economic outcomes important to communities, this project aims to use marketing and communications strategies – strategies that leverage the collective expertise and experience of regional Sea Grant programs with the goal of increasing public knowledge of the products, sources, uses and benefits of aquaculture as a sustainable Blue Economy sector.

Expected Outcomes:

The following outcomes are the expected result of the establishment of the Southeast Aquaculture Communications Collaborative: 

1. Curate, foster and develop aquaculture resources and expertise.
2. Increase access to regional aquaculture resources and information. 
3. Successfully implement communication campaigns for key audiences.
4. Increase aquaculture literacy and demand for aquaculture products among campaign audiences.

Products, Datasets, and Reports: Coming Soon 

News & Features: Link to Blog Post 

Related Links: Coming Soon Award Amount: $749,884

Year Funded: 2024

Award Period: September 1, 2024-August 31, 2027

Subrecipients:

Stephanie Otts, National Sea Grant Law Center/University of Mississippi

Official Collaborators:

• Texas Sea Grant, Texas A&M
• South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium
• Louisiana Sea Grant, Louisiana State University
• Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, University of Georgia