Part 1—A Little Goes a Long Way: How Small Programs Are Educating Communities About Farmed Seafood

The eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grants Program is a collaboration between NOAA and the North American Association for Environmental Education . It empowers communities to deepen their understanding of sustainable seafood practices.

Nine innovative projects funded through this program concluded in July 2025. Each fostered partnerships among informal learning institutions, the aquaculture industry, and NOAA experts. The initiatives combined science, stewardship, and delicious seafood to teach a variety of audiences-from students to coastal residents and teachers-about the vital role of aquaculture in U.S. seafood production.

Through farm tours, classroom programs, and podcasts, these projects are teaching communities how seafood is grown, why healthy oceans matter, and how everyone can support sustainable domestic seafood.

Weathering the Storm for Aquaculture Education

Florida

The Hatchery to Habitat project developed an interactive exhibit and educational programming to highlight how aquaculture supports the region's ecosystems, food security, and local economy. Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center led the project, partnering with NOAA's Southeast Fisheries Science Center and Mote Marine & Freshwater Aquaculture Research Program .

"Many locals and visitors are misinformed about Florida seafood, from its source to its sustainability. Featuring local growers puts a human face on aquaculture, helping people see the real people behind the seafood they eat." - Leah Biery, Tampa Bay Watch

They created an interactive exhibit that includes an educational game about seafood origins and highlights local growers, sustainable aquaculture practices, and how conservation aquaculture benefits Tampa Bay. The project also provided classroom programming, staff training, and community outreach to expand aquaculture education in the region. Despite delays from back-to-back hurricanes, the exhibit was unveiled in October and is expected to reach more than 40,000 visitors annually.

Blog: Weathering the Storm for Aquaculture Education

Video: From Hatchery to Habitat: How Conservation Aquaculture Benefits the Bay

Shellebrating Education on the North Carolina Oyster Trail

North Carolina

The North Carolina Oyster Trail expanded its educational reach with updated resources, grower storytelling, and teacher workshops that showcased sustainable shellfish farming. North Carolina Sea Grant led the effort, in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the North Carolina Shellfish Growers Association . The project included a traveling oyster exhibit featuring professional photography and storytelling from growers, hatcheries, and wild harvesters. The exhibit has been showcased at 15 events statewide, reaching an estimated 3,000 viewers. Partners also offered two educator workshops at Carteret Community College's aquaculture lab to strengthen teaching on shellfish mariculture.

"Shellfish growers often don't have time to do public education-so the North Carolina Oyster Trail helps share their story…on the trail, visitors can tour oyster farms, taste oysters, and learn about how they're grown and the communities they support." - Jane Harrison, North Carolina Sea Grant

Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and statewide outreach, participants gained confidence in sustainable aquaculture practices and understanding of coastal ecosystems. The initiative highlights local growers, promotes seafood understanding, and seeks to inspire the next generation, supporting both the cultural and environmental sustainability of North Carolina's shellfish industry.

Blog: Shellebrating Education on the North Carolina Oyster Trail

Video: Shellebrating Education on the North Carolina Oyster Trail

Cultivating Conservation with South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina

Through hands-on farm tours, classroom lessons, and community events, Cultivating Conservation offered students and adults immersive experiences with oyster aquaculture. In partnership with South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and Charleston Oyster Farm , ninth- and 10th-grade students with the South Carolina Aquarium 's Teen Conservation Crew gained firsthand experiences with domestic aquaculture practices. Students learned about wild and farmed oyster production and how they benefit water quality, ecosystems, and seafood supply. Then they had a chance to try oysters as they're harvested during guided tours of Charleston Oyster Farm.

"This grant helped us lower barriers for groups who couldn't normally afford access to oyster farms, including bus transportation and subsidized tours." - Sara McDonald, South Carolina Aquarium

The project also engaged adults with Talks On Tap events, featuring hands-on experiences like oyster shucking and panel discussions with oyster farmers, chefs, and resource managers. The subsidized transportation and tours provided by the grant allowed broader participation, particularly for groups that might not otherwise be able to attend. Moving forward, the project partners hope to explore potential virtual programming to broaden access to aquaculture education.

Blog: Cultivating Conservation

Video: Increasing Oyster Aquaculture Awareness in Charleston, South Carolina

Exploring the Merroir of Ocean-Farmed Seafood

Washington

Tide to Table, Farm to Food introduced the "Merroir Wheel" and held hands-on culinary events. They helped audiences understand how farming practices and environments shape the flavor of U.S. seafood. Mark and Lisa Tagal collaborated with NOAA Fisheries' West Coast Regional Office , Northwest Fisheries Science Center , and Jamestown Seafood . They connected consumers, students, and culinary professionals with farmed U.S. seafood. The project demonstrated how factors like location, farming practices, and species characteristics influence flavor and quality. The tool is helping chefs, students, and the public understand seafood's origins and make informed culinary choices about seafood.

"By working with culinary professionals first, and then students from grade school to college, we were able to tailor lessons for different age levels and experiences." - Mark Tagal, Tagal Oceanic

Expanding from four planned events to 24-and counting!-the project engaged audiences from grade-school students to professional chefs through farm visits, culinary demonstrations, and hands-on learning. Together, they've laid the groundwork for creating their own cookbooks, supper clubs, and ongoing educational outreach building on strong partnerships. One partnership even culminated in the Bonney Lake High School culinary team winning local and statewide competitions using farmed sablefish.

Blog: Winner, Winner, Another Sablefish Dinner!

Video: Tide to Table, Farm to Food: The Merroir of Ocean-Farmed Seafood