Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

March 10, 2026

Director's Message

It was a pleasure to engage with so many of you—industry leaders, researchers, and stakeholders—at Aquaculture America. The innovations showcased—from breakthroughs in genomics to marine spatial planning—demonstrate that the United States remains at the forefront of global aquaculture technology. This collaborative energy is essential as we work together to bring more American-grown seafood to market.

At NOAA, a key effort has been our continued advancement in identifying Aquaculture Opportunity Areas. In the fall we identified 13 AOAs across the Gulf of America and Southern California. Most recently, our work in Alaska has made strides with the publication of NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Aquaculture Atlas. It identified 77 options for Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, across 10 study areas, that may be suitable for marine aquaculture. This marks a massive step in our efforts to grow seaweed and shellfish aquaculture in Alaska state waters. 

Finally, I’m thrilled that some of our most important work from across NOAA’s Aquaculture Program is showcased in our “Aquaculture Highlights 2025” report. 

As we look ahead to a productive season on the water, let us stay focused on the bold innovations that define our industry. Whether in the lab or on the farm, your work is vital to our growth.

Cheers,

Danielle Blacklock
Director, NOAA Office of Aquaculture

Publications

• Measures of habitat quality for Black Sea Bass using oyster aquaculture cages
• Proof-of-concept for sterility induction in sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) via a scalable immersion-based gene silencing approach
• Primordial germ cell specification and early developmental cell states in Pacific oyster

Resources

• Aquaculture Highlights 2025
• Fisheries Economics of the United States 2023
• Fisheries of the United States 2023

New Atlas Identifies Potential Opportunities for Aquaculture in Gulf of Alaska

NOAA published the Atlas for Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, identifying 77 locations that may be suitable for sustainable shellfish and seaweed aquaculture operations in the Gulf of Alaska.

Read More >>

Falling in Love with Farmed Seafood

Is there a better Valentine’s Day date than cozying up with a warm bowl of hearty, local seafood with the ones you love? Choosing domestically produced seafood, wild and farmed, helps show your affection for working waterfronts. 

Read More >>

5 Ways Aquaculture is Boosting Coastal Economies

From training new workers and navigating regulations to connecting seafood producers with buyers, here are 5 ways Sea Grant’s aquaculture initiatives are helping to bring farm-fresh U.S. seafood to consumers’ plates and ensure a healthy future for our waters.

Read More >>

Meet OoNee, Sea Urchin Ranchers in Oregon

This Tide to Table Profile features Brad Bailey and Aaron Guang and their sea urchin ranch in Oregon. 

Read More >>

Four Tips for Finding the Best Pacific Islands Seafood

Looking for the freshest seafood in the Pacific? Learn how to find the best sources of fresh, local catch in Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands.

Read More >>

A Little Goes a Long Way: How Small Programs Are Educating Communities About Farmed Seafood

Innovative aquaculture education projects are finding new ways to connect communities to seafood.

Read Part 1  >>

Read Part 2  >>

Meet Hollywood Oyster Company, Oyster Farmers in Maryland

This Tide to Table profile features Tal Petty and his solar-powered oyster farm on the Chesapeake Bay.

Read More >>

Seafood Tips from the People Bringing You America's Seafood

Need a spark of holiday cooking inspiration? Explore these practical tips from seafood pros—and discover the stories of the families and communities behind America’s sustainable seafood.

Read More >>

Visit our website