Shellfish farming in North Carolina is a state-managed resource as shellfish leases are granted to farmers on public trust bottom. Over the last 10 years, applications for shellfish leases have surged by 720%. The rapid growth in shellfish farming has transformed industry practices and influenced public perception. Often, these two factors go hand in hand as newer methods, such as floating bags and large-scale bottom cages, have a more pronounced impact on viewshed and navigation than legacy methods, such as planted clutch on the bottom. A preliminary study has identified five areas along the North Carolina coast that exhibit the highest number of shellfish leases per acre and are the subject of ongoing or possible upcoming user conflict. In an effort to better understand and mitigate public conflict, a geospatial analysis of farming methods is underway. An assessment of the distribution of farming methods compared to factors such as bottom composition, yield per acre, and water depth may provide insight into patterns in how farmers choose to produce shellfish. Using these patterns, projection maps can be created to predict how the distribution of growing methods may change as the industry continues to evolve. In 2022, Shellfish aquaculture brought more than $14 million to the local economy and provided commercial fishermen with over 300 new jobs. As managers, it is important to acknowledge these strengths of the industry when we assess how to address user conflict. Since all North Carolina waters are held in public trust, we must make every effort to understand patterns of use to effectively steward the state’s resources.