This session will consist of a moderated discussion between five policy professionals involved in shellfish leasing and management as well as allow for Q&A between panelists and audience members. The panel will discuss current and future opportunities for collaboration and information-sharing across states. They will explain barriers to expansion from a business perspective in their state and share innovative practices that have been useful in facilitating growth. Panelists will consist of: Portia Sapp (Florida Division of Aquaculture), Russell “Rusty” Grice (Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium), Bill Walton (Virginia Institute of Marine Science), Matt Parker (University of Maryland), and Owen Mulvey-McFerron (NC Division of Marine Fisheries).