The food justice movement is growing, amplifying the need for equity and social justice within the food system. However, the movement has predominantly focused on terrestrial food systems, excluding ocean food systems. At the same time, the Atlantic coastal region is experiencing an expansion of non-industrial aquaculture production, especially oysters, benefitting coastal environments and communities. But, while many Black watermen were critical to the historic development of the wild-caught oyster industry along the Eastern coastal states’, today’s aquaculture industries in MD, DE, and NJ lack racial diversity, particularly at the business ownership level. This session will discuss research that analyzed barriers to entry in oyster aquaculture in MD, DE, and NJ, the history of Black oystermen in the region, and Food Justice. The research identified 8 major barriers to entry in aquaculture and 5 core Food Justice themes. The resulting framework of recommendations is an opportunity for oyster aquaculture industry managers to engage a more diverse population of entrepreneurs and consumers, promoting economic development, nutrition security, and environmental restoration.