WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2024 71 engagement and financial viability. Additionally, the conference venues are typically booked five years in advance to ensure availability and the best possible pricing. It may be several years before new locations can be booked. However, the WAS conference organizers are now aware of the desire for alternative venues and will incorporate those desires into future conference planning. The survey addressed merchandise purchases and membership fees by asking members to rate these questions on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being extremely unlikely and 5 being extremely likely). Based on the results, 218 members were somewhat likely to purchase USAS merchandise if available during conferences (Mean 3.11) and were willing to pay $10.00 per year to be a USAS chapter member (Mean 3.95). Currently, all World Aquaculture Society chapter membership dues are $5.00 per year. Members were asked their preference (482responses) for how they would prefer to receive chapter information, with the ability to select one or multiple media avenues listed. Information provided via email was the most preferred method (34 percent), followed by newsletters (27 percent). Webinars, social media posts, and informational videos received less interest at 16 percent, 12 percent, and 10 percent, respectively. A significant volunteer effort would be required to establish a quarterly USAS newsletter whereas chapter updates could appear in the quarterly publication of World Aquaculture Magazine. In terms of social media (160 responses), members followed USAS on Facebook (43 percent), more than any other media platform including Instagram (24 percent), YouTube (19 percent), and “X” (previously Twitter) (14 percent). Recognizing the diverse preferences of its membership base, USAS is actively working on enhancing its presence and engagement across all social media platforms. Members (190 responses) reported visiting the chapter website once a year (44 percent) followed by once a month (35 percent) and once a week (22 percent). This finding underscores the importance of enhancing the website’s appeal and functionality to encourage more regular engagement among members. Chapter efforts are underway to improve the website with more frequent updates. Contracted personnel are being considered to maintain the site and ensure that it reflects current USAS activities and information. In summary, membership surveys can provide essential insights into the needs and preferences of USAS members and the broader aquaculture industry, helping guide resource allocation and program development. By regularly gathering feedback, USAS ensures that its initiatives effectively address member needs and remain responsive to industry trends. The 2018 and 2024 surveys and results are posted on the USAS website at https://www.usaquaculture.org/. Notes Emma Hauser, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and Wisconsin Sea Grant; Jordan Lynch, Key Allegro Oyster Co., Rockport, Texas; Dan Mosier, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, Farlington, Kansas; and Forrest Wynne,* University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and USAS Promotion & Membership Outreach Committee Chair. * corresponding author fwynne@uky.edu References Walton, B, D. Cline, F. Wynne, D. McIntosh, M. Parker and D. Straus. 2018. Aquaculture America 2018 by the Numbers and Results of the USAS Member Survey. World Aquaculture Magazine. 49(2) 5-7. https://www.usaquaculture.org/s/USASMemberSurvey.pdf TABLE 4. The USAS Board has requested input from the World Aquaculture Society regarding venue selection. We would like your feedback on potential venues. On a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 is strongly disagree and 5 is strongly agree on location), please rate the following venue suggestions (218 respondents). Field Mean Standard Deviation Variance Tampa, FL 3.59 1.20 1.44 Savanna, GA 3.47 1.20 1.45 Atlanta, GA 3.45 1.23 1.51 Charlotte, NC 3.37 1.17 1.36 Fort Lauderdale, FL 3.28 1.26 1.58 Phoenix, AZ 3.19 1.29 1.68 Jacksonville, FL 3.14 1.24 1.53 Los Angeles, CA 3.11 1.42 2.01 Washington DC 3.05 1.40 1.96 Memphis, TN 2.92 1.28 1.64 St. Louis, MO 2.54 1.26 1.58 Kansas City, MO 2.47 1.20 1.43 Little Rock, AR 2.47 1.23 1.51 In summary, membership surveys can provide essential insights into the needs and preferences of USAS members and the broader aquaculture industry, helping guide resource allocation and program development.
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