With the eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grant program, NAAEE is driving significant change for a second time! We are supporting partnerships with the common goal of aquaculture literacy set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Education, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the National Sea Grant Office. The nine mini-grants awarded will provide more than just financial support; they catalyze innovative educational experiences focused on aquaculture topics and promote public aquaculture literacy in eight states. These grants empower nonformal learning institutions (like aquariums), the aquaculture industry (such as shellfish, finfish, and seaweed farmers), and NOAA partners to make a tangible impact on our understanding of aquaculture. From "Agriculture in Aquaculture” to "Empowering Ocean Stewards," these grantees are helping to support a blue planet!
Press Release
The eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grants Program will support engaging educational experiences and promote public understanding of aquaculture.
What is Aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the practice of raising and harvesting of animals and plants in all kinds of aquatic settings. It plays a key role in sustaining U.S. seafood production while also creating stable, year-round jobs. It also contributes significantly to restoring habitats, supporting protected species, and strengthening coastal resilience.
Meet the 2024 Awardees
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Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
Farmers MAI-KIT: Live-streamed cooking classes feat. Maine chefs, farmers, and aquaculture products
Walpole, Maine
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North Carolina Sea Grant
Advancing Shellfish Mariculture Literacy in North Carolina
Across North Carolina
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Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
From Hatchery to Habitat: How Conservation Aquaculture Benefits the Bay
St. Petersburg, Florida
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Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group
Expanding Social License for Public and Private Aquaculture on Martha's Vineyard
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
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University of New Hampshire
Developing and Piloting an Aquaculture Podcast to Enhance Aquaculture Literacy in the Northeast
Durham, New Hampshire
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South Carolina Aquarium
Increasing Oyster Aquaculture Awareness in Charleston, South Carolina
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Saltwater Classroom
Empowering Ocean Stewards: Restorative Aquaculture and Inclusive Oyster Farming Education
South Portland, Maine
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IBSS Corp.
Tide to Table, Farm to Food: Exploring the Merrior of Ocean-Farmed Seafood
Washington
Harvest Stories
Each month, NAAEE highlights inspiring stories from the eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Grantees as they bring their projects to life. Dive into their journeys!
February 2025: "Out on the Farm in Yarmouth, Maine" by Lexi Doudera, founder and executive director at Saltwater Classroom
This immersive blog post takes us right to the water as the Saltwater Classroom crew film a behind-the-scenes look at a Maine oyster farm and the science behind oyster anatomy and restoration. These lessons will become part of the Online Ocean Literacy Platform, making aquaculture education more accessible than ever.
March 2025: "Shuck n’ Hope for Our Future" by Nina E. Ferry Montanile, education and outreach manager at Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group, Inc.
Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group, Inc. connects youth with marine science through hands-on learning with support from an eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grant. From shucking oysters to community programs, MVSG is cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.