This session is organized by members of the Diversity and Inclusion (DI) committee of the United States Aquaculture Society (USAS) and welcomes all USAS members and conference participants. It seeks to provide a safe and inclusive environment and forum where questions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the society can be discussed freely. The first part of the session will include a presentation of the results of a recent diversity survey conducted by the committee and an open discussion of practical issues related to DI experienced by USAS members throughout their careers. This part of the session will also consist of a round table discussion on possible actions that could be taken at the level of USAS. The second part of the session will include presentations of ongoing initiatives to increase DI in US Aquaculture and a round table discussion of coordination and opportunities for collaborations.

Session part 1 - Diversity in the USAS
(moderators: Angela Caporelli, Steven Hughes)

Results from the 2021 USAS diversity survey - David Pattillo and Eric Saillant

In their own words: members discuss events and experiences related to Diversity and Inclusion (D & I) during the course of their career and in the context of their participation in USAS activities/events – open discussion with the audience led by Steven Hughes, Angela Caporelli

Round table – Discussion of possible actions and next steps for USAS to enhance D & I

Session part 2 – Initiatives targeting DEI in US Aquaculture
(moderators: Eric Saillant, Rebecca Lochmann)

The “LEAding cultural change through Professional Societies (LEAPS)” project

Minorities In Aquaculture- Imani Black

Diversity initiatives in the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff - Rebecca Lochmann

Initiatives to increase diversity in the University of Southern Mississippi School of Ocean Science and Engineering - Eric Saillant

Round table – Coordination and collaborations