National Aquaculture Association

08/19/2026

A significant investment in the future of U.S. aquaculture launched this summer.

The University of New Hampshire was selected to lead NOAA’s new Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM), a five-year national effort backed by approximately $13.5 million in initial funding.

From new technologies and demonstration farms to offshore systems, market development and stronger working waterfronts, CIFARM will focus on research and partnerships that can help grow domestic seafood production and strengthen American aquaculture. A critical need when the U.S. imports roughly 80% of the seafood we consume. That imbalance is neither sustainable nor secure.

This is exactly the kind of investment in research, innovation and collaboration that will move U.S. aquaculture forward. Because food is best when it's grown at home.

Read more from the University of New Hampshire: [https://www.unh.edu/news/unh-lead-major-noaa-effort-strengthen-americas-seafood-supply](https://www.unh.edu/news/unh-lead-major-noaa-effort-strengthen-americas-seafood-supply)

08/14/2026

The names went into the hat, and we have a winner!

But first, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in NAA's 2026 U.S. Aquaculture Survey.

We received our strongest survey engagement ever, with voices from across the U.S. aquaculture community sharing their priorities, insights, and expectations for NAA. We asked. You answered. Now we’re charting a stronger course for the future of NAA

And congratulations to Leah Wilkinson of the American Feed Industry Association, the winner of our prize drawing! Leah has won a Sunset Catamaran Cruise for Two in Hawaii during Aquaculture America 2027, and she is excited to set sail! Mahalo and Aloha, Leah!

And if you haven't started making your plans for Hawaii yet, now's the time! Register for AA27 here: https://www.was.org/Meeting/code/AA2027

08/08/2026

A century. Four generations. One family still raising fish. Congratulations to Ozark Fisheries on 100 years of family farming and an incredible legacy in U.S. aquaculture, since 1926.

The amazing team at Ozark Fisheries reminds us that aquaculture is agriculture, and that family fish farms have been feeding communities, supporting jobs, and strengthening rural America for generations.

Congratulations on this remarkable milestone. Here's to the next 100 years!

Ozark Fisheries Celebrates 100 Years Of Family Farming: https://bit.ly/4yWnv1L

08/05/2026

For too long, others have defined the conversation about aquaculture.

If we want the public and policymakers to understand who we are and why our work matters, we have to tell our own story. Modern, responsible aquaculture IS the conservation-minded solution.

In her latest editorial, Aquaculture North America Editor Seyitan Moritiwon reminds us that changing the narrative starts with us. And we have an incredible story to tell.

Watch this space. NAA intends to change the conversation.



Read Moritiwon's impressive editorial here: https://www.aquaculturenorthamerica.com/from-the-editor-changing-the-narrative/

07/23/2026

Healthy fish start with thoughtful care. Modern aquaculture is built on science-based management practices that prioritize fish health and well-being—including maintaining appropriate stocking densities that allow fish to swim and school naturally. It's one of many ways today's farmers work every day to raise healthy fish while producing sustainable seafood.

Thanks to our friends at the Animal Ag Alliance for shining a light on the science and care behind modern aquaculture!

Space to move is an important part of supporting fish health and well-being. 🌊

Modern aquaculture systems are carefully managed to maintain appropriate stocking densities, giving fish room to swim and school naturally. Thoughtful management helps support healthy, thriving fish throughout the production process. 🐟 https://bit.ly/4vNnrz6

07/17/2026

Great perspective from our friends at the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association. While shellfish farming looks different from region to region, growers across the country face many of the same opportunities and challenges. It’s always valuable to learn from one another and celebrate the innovation, stewardship, and hard work happening throughout U.S. aquaculture. Great work ESGA! 🦪

07/08/2026

It's great to see community college research interns gaining hands-on experience studying fish biodiversity, seagrass restoration, and aquatic ecosystems. These opportunities help develop the next generation of scientists and professionals who will support sustainable aquaculture and healthy aquatic environments.

Kudos to everyone providing students with meaningful field and laboratory experience. We look forward to seeing where their work leads!

07/04/2026

⏰ Last chance!

The 2026 NAA US Aquaculture Survey closes July 6, and if you haven't had a chance to participate yet, we'd really appreciate hearing from you.

This survey will help guide NAA's future priorities, advocacy, communications, and member programs, so every response makes a difference. It only takes 5 to 7 minutes to complete, and every participant will be entered into a drawing for a Sunset Catamaran Cruise for Two during Aquaculture America 2027 in Honolulu (or an equivalent prize for those not attending).

If it's been on your to do list, now's the time. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts before the survey closes on July 6.

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

06/26/2026

More than 100 members of the U.S. aquaculture community have already participated in the 2026 U.S. Aquaculture Survey, and we'd love to hear from you, too!

Whether you're an NAA member or not, your perspective matters. We're inviting everyone involved in U.S. aquaculture, including producers, suppliers, researchers, educators, processors, distributors, and industry partners, to participate.

The survey only takes 5–7 minutes to complete, and participants may enter a drawing for a **Sunset Catamaran Cruise for Two** during Aquaculture America 2027, next February in Honolulu! (Equivalent prize for those not attending AA27.)

If you haven't participated yet, there's still time!

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

And please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your colleagues and others involved in U.S. aquaculture!

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.