If you’ve ever dove (pardon the pun) into the world of aquaculture, you’ve probably encountered some common misconceptions: “Fish farms are poorly regulated.” “They’re full of drugs.” “They dump pollutants.” My personal favorite: “Farmed salmon is dyed pink.” Once upon a time, I believed these statements, too.
Growing up in a rural farming community in Southwest Georgia, fish farms were unheard of. Cows, cotton, corn and peanuts – that’s what I knew. It wasn’t until I was an undergrad in college that I was introduced to fisheries and aquaculture. Specifically, I became interested in the concept of sustainability and how aquaculture might be the answer to the question: How can seafood be a sustainable resource?
Americans spend around $102 billion annually on seafood. According to the most recent report on the Fisheries of the United States (2022), U.S. commercial landings totaled 8.4 billion pounds, valued at $5.9 billion.
In contrast, we imported 6.9 billion pounds of seafood products, valued at $29.7 billion. That’s a $23.8 billion trade deficit. In other words, we’re not catching enough seafood to meet our nation’s demand. So, we import, often from countries where environmental and safety regulations may not match U.S. standards.
This is where aquaculture comes in. By growing our own seafood, we can reduce our reliance on imports, support local economies and enforce rigorous environmental standards. But while the solution seems obvious, aquaculture in the United States still faces skepticism about its environmental impact and legitimacy.
Despite being a growing industry, U.S. aquaculture ranks only 19th globally, producing only 23% of the U.S. seafood value. Legal barriers, negative public perception and regulatory complexity remain significant challenges.
Aquaculture academy grows knowledge, confidence
When I began working as a marine educator, I knew I wanted to support the aquaculture industry. However, I felt unprepared. The industry is vast, and practices can vary by region. For example, I know nothing about kelp cultivation. My experience with kelp is limited to sushi restaurants, but I’m interested in learning about it! I want to have a deeper understanding of aquaculture in all its forms – shellfish, finfish and seaweed included.
This is when I discovered Sea Grant Aquaculture Leadership Academy. This is a year-long, cohort-based professional development program for those involved in aquaculture education and engagement. It allows Sea Grant-supported staff to develop the knowledge, skills and networks needed to support U.S. aquaculture. It was the resource I was looking for to help me effectively support aquaculture.
Week 1 of the academy, hosted by New Hampshire Sea Grant, was a crash course in New England aquaculture. Site visits, industry panels, boat tours and networking opportunities left me with multiple takeaways that have continued to impact me since I’ve returned to Alabama.
One of my primary goals was to increase my knowledge of aquaculture, and the academy delivered. We traveled to three different states to see multiple forms of aquaculture. Highlights include visiting Great Falls Aquaculture’s large recirculating system in Massachusetts, boat rides to see Bangs Island Mussels’ open-ocean shellfish culture in Maine, and exploring the Aquafort, an integrated multi-trophic system at the University of New Hampshire’s Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex. Each visit involved direct conversations with farmers about the benefits and challenges of their operations.
In addition to site tours, we participated in panels with a wide array of industry stakeholders: veterinarians, system engineers, nonprofit leaders and trade associations. Each offered unique insights, giving us a broad, practical overview of the aquaculture sector.
As my knowledge grew, so did my confidence. With a background in agriculture, I found myself making connections between the two fields and gaining enthusiasm to share what I was learning. Our cohort quickly became a safe space to ask questions and exchange ideas. I wasn’t alone in feeling like a beginner; many of us joined the academy to gain knowledge, build confidence and make connections.
Academy expands aquaculture reach
This brings me to one of the most rewarding outcomes: networking. Our group included participants from across the country: California, Wisconsin, MIT and more. We all shared a common interest in aquaculture, and it was refreshing to connect with like-minded people. Since returning home, I’ve stayed in touch with several of them. We’ve talked about potential collaborations, shared grant ideas, planned conference presentations and built genuine friendships in the process.
But the biggest thing I walked away with was a renewed passion for aquaculture. Since the academy, I’ve been actively looking for new ways to involve my department in aquaculture education and outreach. I’m also looking forward to continuing the program this fall.
Aquaculture in the U.S. is growing, but misinformation remains a major hurdle. Take salmon, for example. I used to think the pink color in farmed salmon came from artificial dye. In reality, it comes from astaxanthin, a natural and necessary nutrient in their diet. The same compound that makes wild salmon pink.
As our global population grows, so does the demand for sustainable food sources. Aquaculture offers a responsibly regulated, environmentally conscious alternative to wild-caught fisheries; one that can help us meet the world’s growing needs without exhausting natural resources.
As a marine educator, I believe it’s essential to support fish farmers, correct misconceptions and champion aquaculture as part of a sustainable food future. The Sea Grant Aquaculture Academy gave me the tools to do just that, and I’m excited to keep sharing what I’ve learned to inspire others and support the future of U.S. aquaculture.
Meet the author
Taylor Kilgore
Marine Educator
Taylor Kilgore is a marine educator at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Discovery Hall Programs. As a Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported educator, Taylor provides hands-on, immersive experiences... Read more
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