National Aquaculture Association

06/17/2026

The 2026 U.S. Aquaculture Survey is now open!

Whether you're an NAA member or not, we want to hear from you. We are inviting participation from across the U.S. aquaculture sector—including producers, suppliers, researchers, educators, processors, distributors, and other industry stakeholders.

U.S. aquaculture is at a critical crossroads, and your input will help identify the challenges, opportunities, and priorities shaping the future of our industry.

The survey takes just 5–7 minutes to complete, and as a thank you, participants can enter to win a Sunset Catamaran Cruise for Two during Aquaculture America 2027 in Honolulu (or an equivalent prize for those not attending AA27).

Please take a few minutes to share your perspective and help NAA shape the future of U.S. aquaculture.

Access the 2026 U.S. Aquaculture Survey here: https://tinyurl.com/28sepsv8

And please share this post with others in the aquaculture community!

06/10/2026

Last month, we had the opportunity to visit Evans Farm in Florida, where Marilyn, Jane, and Geno Evans have spent more than four decades building one of America's pioneering sturgeon aquaculture operations.

Founded in 1982 by Gene and Marilyn Evans as a cattle farm, Evans Farm evolved from raising largemouth bass, tilapia, and hybrid striped bass to producing world-class sturgeon and caviar. Today, multiple generations of the Evans family work together to raise Osetra, Siberian, and Sevruga sturgeon. The farm also raises Beluga sturgeon, although federal regulations governing the endangered species limit commercial caviar production from farm-raised Beluga.

Operations like Evans Farm demonstrate how aquaculture can support conservation while creating American jobs and producing high-quality seafood products. By raising captive-bred sturgeon in a controlled environment, farms like Evans provide a legal, traceable source of caviar that helps reduce pressure on wild sturgeon populations.

Their work also highlights the importance of the Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act, which would ensure that responsible U.S. sturgeon farms can continue operating while maintaining strong protections for wild sturgeon.

Thank you to Marilyn, Jane, Geno and the entire Evans family for sharing their time, expertise, and passion for aquaculture.

05/22/2026

NAA was in St. Augustine this week for the RASTech Conference- connecting with producers, researchers, technology providers, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of aquaculture.

Conferences like RASTech create important opportunities to explore innovations in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), strengthen industry relationships, and advance conversations around sustainable U.S. seafood production.

05/15/2026

NAA recently sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins regarding the newly established Office of Seafood.

NAA strongly supports the creation of the Office while emphasizing a key concern: USDA agricultural resources intended for farmers should remain focused on aquaculture producers and seafood farmers.

Today, the U.S. imports more than 80% of the seafood we consume, with approximately 50% of imports coming from overseas aquaculture production. More than half of all global seafood production now comes from aquaculture.

Wild harvest fisheries are an important and valued part of America’s seafood economy, but increased domestic production from aquaculture remains the only realistic pathway to meet the increasing global demand for seafood while reducing reliance on imports.

If the USDA Office of Seafood is to meaningfully address the seafood trade deficit and strengthen long term food security, aquaculture must remain at the center of its priorities.

Read NAA’s full letter to Secretary Rollins here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6hG2GlLy9z5dgwmx1jkNEVfKwg8Rfc-/view?usp=sharing

05/07/2026

We’re still cheering for this one! NAA was on the ground at SLURP (Shellfish Lovers Ultimate Rejuvenation Party) in Olympia last Sunday, and the no-hands slurping contest definitely stole the show.

Hosted in Olympia by the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, SLURP welcomed around 500 attendees and featured shellfish from local growers, incredible dishes from chefs, and wine and beer from regional wineries and breweries. From the shucking contest to the no-hands slurping contest, and the oyster shooter luge, it was a fun celebration of the Pacific Northwest shellfish community and the farmers who make it all possible!


Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association

05/01/2026

NAA is proud to see Katie Mackey Harris recognized in this great feature from our colleagues at the US Trout Farmers Association. Her hard work and dedication reflects the kind of leadership and commitment that is driving American aquaculture forward!

USTFA Board Member Spotlight: Katie Mackey Harris

As part of our ongoing USTFA board member spotlights, we are proud to feature a leader who has dedicated her career to both the art of trout production and the strength of our national industry. Based in Northern California, Katie Mackey Harris is a producer and owner of the state’s largest private trout farm, bringing decades of hands-on expertise to the USTFA Board of Directors.

A Legacy of Leadership

Katie’s commitment to aquaculture extends well beyond the water's edge. A past president of the USTFA, she continues to serve our community on the Board of Directors and represents the industry on the Transportation Committee for the National Aquaculture Association. Her work ensures that trout farming remains a viable, thriving part of the American agricultural landscape.

The Reward of the Raise

For Katie, the most fulfilling part of the job is seeing the final result of her team’s hard work - whether it’s a milestone moment for a young angler or a high-quality meal for a family.

"I love many things about trout farming, but my favorite is hearing about a child catching their first fish that we raised," Katie shared. "Or seeing our steelhead on a menu knowing that we are feeding people. It’s all about when people get to enjoy the fish we raise."

Life Beyond the Farm

When she isn't managing one of the country's premier trout operations, Katie finds her "happy place" traveling with her family. An avid outdoorswoman, she stays active through fly fishing, hiking, and coaching local sports teams.

The Perfect Preparation

When it’s time to enjoy the fruits of her labor, Katie keeps it simple and classic. Her favorite meal? "One of our steelhead fillets marinated with soy sauce for no more than 20 minutes, then grilled by my husband while I drink a perfectly chilled glass of white wine watching him."

Stay tuned for future board member spotlights in Trout Talk so you can get to know a little more about who represents you on the USTFA board.

04/28/2026

This month the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the creation of a new Office of Seafood, a long-overdue step toward recognizing seafood as a core part of American agriculture.

This is a big moment for U.S. aquaculture!

For the first time, the farmers growing seafood in the U.S. will have a dedicated home at USDA, with better access to programs that support production, innovation, and market growth. That matters.

Aquaculture is how the U.S. increases seafood production; responsibly, predictably, and under some of the strongest environmental and food safety standards in the world. Expanding domestic production means more American-grown food, stronger rural and coastal economies, and less reliance on imports.

We’re encouraged to see seafood policy moving in this direction, a strong path forward for U.S. aquaculture.

04/17/2026

NAA was in Washington, DC this week alongside our partners from the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association and Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, meeting with Members of Congress and congressional staff to discuss the critical issues impacting shellfish aquaculture - from permitting and water access to federal policy and the future of our working waterfronts.

Our US growers were proud to host a lively Shellfish Reception on Capitol Hill and shuck fresh oysters for our friends on both sides of the aisle - bringing together our shellfish farms and policymakers for direct, on-the-ground conversations about the important role this industry plays in coastal communities and domestic seafood production.

We are honored to stand with our hardworking US shellfish growers who steward our waters, support local economies, and help feed our nation delicious and healthy seafood!

04/07/2026

Celebrate World Health Day with nutritious seafood, because fish, shellfish, and kelp will all fuel a healthy diet!

These foods provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients, and NAA is proud to support our U.S. aquaculture producers who help bring healthy, nutritious food to our tables.