VT Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center

📣Faculty spotlight: Jonathan van Senten, associate professor, is based at the VT Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hampton, Virginia, where his work focuses on aquaculture economics and policy. His research emphasizes understanding and quantifying the costs and impacts of the regulatory environment at the farm level, helping producers and policymakers make more informed decisions.

To date, Jonathan has collaborated with colleagues to evaluate the regulatory and economic impacts affecting three sectors of U.S. aquaculture: 🐟🐠baitfish, trout, and West Coast shellfish. Over the next two years, his research will expand to include tilapia, hybrid striped bass, catfish, and East Coast shellfish.

Beyond regulatory analysis, Jonathan’s research interests include assessing the viability of emerging aquaculture species, evaluating commercial aquaponics systems, examining new diet formulations for aquaculture production, conducting financial benchmarking studies, and measuring the economic impacts of aquaculture and seafood industries.

Learn more about Jonathan at https://aaec.vt.edu/people/faculty/vansenten-jonathan.html.

This past weekend we traded the ocean for mountains and traveled to Blacksburg to celebrate Alumni Weekend! 🦃🎉

We talked all things blue catfish — with alumni even getting the chance to try it breaded and fried! 🐟🍴

Catch us next at our open house on Saturday, June 20th from 10am to 1pm. Link to register in our bio! 🌟

Are you ready to take your aquaculture business to the next level? Join us in Vancouver on July 11th for this hands-on workshop designed specifically for U.S. aquaculture producers looking to strengthen the financial health and long-term success of their operations. This workshop is part of a larger initiative to bring business practices and financial management to farmers across the United States — where we've already delivered trainings along the East Coast and Midwest.

📍Where: HILTON VANCOUVER WASHINGTON,
301 W. 6TH STREET, VANCOUVER, WA
98660 | REMOTE OPTION offered

📆When: Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10am to 4pm (PST)

📒What: Business planning, farm financial management, strategic marketing | Lunch provided and free to register

👋Who: Existing and interested aquaculture producers and entrepreneurs | Extension, government, and academia are also welcome to participate. (Max: 25)

Click the link in our bio to register by June 29th.

How much do regulations impact U.S. aquaculture? 🐟

A new VSAREC bulletin, The Complex Regulatory Framework for U.S. Aquaculture, takes a closer look at the layers of federal, state, and local regulations that farmed seafood producers must navigate every day.

The findings are eye-opening:

💡Regulatory compliance cost the industry an estimated $196 million in 2023

💡Lost revenue associated with regulatory constraints totaled more than $800 million

The takeaway?

Layers of federal, state, and local government permitting constrain production, inhibit hiring, stifle innovation and eliminate U.S. farmed seafood from stores and restaurants. Americans cannot compete against countries that do not impose similar costs and requirements.

At a time when the U.S. imports roughly 80% of the seafood we consume, understanding the challenges facing domestic aquaculture is more important than ever.

Check out the full bulletin in our bio to learn more about which regulations shape U.S. aquaculture and how.

Are you ready to take your aquaculture business to the next level? Join us in Hawaii on July 14th for this hands-on workshop designed specifically for U.S. aquaculture producers looking to strengthen the financial health and long-term success of their operations. This workshop is part of a larger initiative to bring business practices and financial management to farmers across the United States — where we've already delivered trainings along the East Coast and Midwest.

📍Where: Entrepreneurs Sandbox, 643 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 | REMOTE OPTION offered

📆When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 10am to 4pm (HST)

📒What: Business planning, farm financial management, strategic marketing | Lunch provided and free to register

👋Who: Existing and interested aquaculture producers and entrepreneurs | Extension, government, and academia are also welcome to participate. (Max: 30)

Click the link in our bio to register by June 29th.

SEAMaR’s team has a new sheriff in town! 🤠

Charles Clark joined SEAMaR in 2019, where he’s focused his research on applied economics and marketing of seafood and aquaculture, including economic impact assessment, market analysis, consumer research, feasibility modeling, and regulatory cost analysis.

In his new role, Charles is looking forward to leading SEAMaR’s talented team and expanding the program’s impact across the seafood and aquaculture industry. 📈🐟

Congratulations, Charles!

We 💙 Sea Grant! Thanks for having us at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting — we learned so much and met so many fish friends! 🐟🌟

One of the most rewarding parts of our job? Cultivating the next generation of aquaculture specialists, watermen, and stewards of the Bay. 🐟🌟

Last week our K-12 Outreach and Education Coordinator Tiffany participated in Oyster Day — where students released oysters they had been growing all school year! 🔬🦪

Blue catfish dip and street tacos — a tasty end to Monday evening! 🐟🍴

We had the pleasure of supporting the CALS+ Cornerstone Connections event held in Hampton Roads, where we talked all things blue catfish and what we are doing to help.