THE DUAL ROLE OF AQUACULTURE EXTENSION ALONG HEAVILY POPULATED COASTLINES: EVOLVING TO ADDRESS PUBLIC CONCERN WHILE FACILITATING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Introduction

Bivalve shellfish production is a large and growing segment of the U.S. aquaculture industry. In the southern New England region, the number of farms has increased rapidly, particularly along heavily populated coastlines. This growth has been partly facilitated by extension and education staff whose role has been to investigate the development of new species, technology, tools, and training for farmers. However, while these farms still occupy a relatively small area within the coastal zone, further expansion has been met with some concern. In response, extension and education programming has evolved to: (1) expand tools, knowledge and reach for public engagement, (2) expand entry-level workforce training, and (3) improve decision support tools for regulators and public health officials. Extension and education products include:

• Aquaculture 101 Public Outreach Seminars - provides global to local perspectives on the need for aquaculture from the standpoints of seafood demand, jobs and economy, and the cultural and ecological role of shellfish
• Outreach Exhibit at New England Aquarium - information on shellfish aquaculture in the region including 25 key topical messages, and four hands-on activity kits
• Outdoor Public Signage – permanent signage displayed at public coastal access sites provides site-specific information on shellfish harvest and cultivation
• Video Series – YouTube Playlist includes a growing series of videos on the cultivation of various aquatic species and methodologies in both commercial and educational settings
• Fact Sheets – research-based information on emerging issues in shellfish aquaculture including contaminants (e.g. PFAS), microplastics, and harmful algal blooms
• Shellfish Aquaculture Workforce Training Courses – curriculum includes foundational knowledge prospective farmers need to develop a business plan and budget, select a farm site, navigate the regulatory process, cultivate, harvest, process and sell product, and manage production hazards
• Public Messaging Strategy and Plans -– Messaging strategies were drafted and incorporated into state public health response plans so that audiences would have simple and concise messages that could be communicated to the press and the public about emerging issues (e.g. Vibrio bacteria and associated illness)

Collaborating as a regionwide extension team has enabled staff to develop a more coordinate response to emerging aquaculture sector research, development and training needs, and to public interests and concerns about the social carrying capacity for aquaculture along the coastline.