Aquaculture America 2024

February 18 - 21, 2024

San Antonio, Texas

ON THE MAP: LEARNING THE IMPACTS OF THE GREAT LAKES FRESH FISH FINDER ON FISH PRODUCING BUSINESSES

Nicole Wright*, Lauren Jescovitch, Sharon Moen, Amy Schambach, Amy Schrank, Hannah Cullen, Geneva Langeland

Ohio Sea Grant, The Ohio State University

 352  W. Dodridge St.

Columbus, OH 43202

wright.1128@osu.edu

 



 The Great Lakes Fresh Fish Finder is a website developed by Great Lakes Sea Grant programs to  directly  connect  consumers with  fish  farmers and commercial fishers. Originally a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the site had 127 businesses listed across 9 states by the end of 2022. A survey evaluation was launched in January 2023 to understand what the real and perceived benefits or concerns were for businesses as a result of being listed on the website along with assessing whether businesses were still in business, wanted to remain on the site, and had any updates to their information. A nalysis of survey results  will be discussed  along with  the websites role as an educational tool and  the challenges of keeping such a website current and responsive to  the  needs of those it’s meant to serve. I deas  will be shared  for potential next steps to  better  understand the  direct  impact the Great Lakes Fresh Fish Finder may have in helping consumers connect with commercial fishing and the aquaculture industry in the region .