Press Play and Get Aquacultured!

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Press Play and Get Aquacultured!

eeBLUE: Harvest Stories

This blog post was written by Mike Coogan, research assistant professor at the Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems, University of New Hampshire. 

Oh, the marvels of modern technology! YouTube made us backyard mechanics, TikTok taught us how to Dougie, and now—thanks to podcasts—you can become an aquaculturist from the comfort of your couch. Who needs college anymore?

Brought to you by the University of New Hampshire, Get Aquacultured! is the hottest new podcast streaming in a pair of headphones near you. This limited eight-part series brings together the mighty trifecta of Mikes—Coogan, Chambers, and Doherty—summoned to the mic by the wise and sea-loving Gabby Bradt to explore the wonderfully wet world of aquaculture. Welcome to the digital age of ocean farming!

Get Aquacultured Podcast Hosts
Pictured are our four fish hosts! From left to right are Mike Coogan, Gabby Bradt, Mike Doherty, and Michael Chambers. Photo credit: L-R, UNH Center For Sustainable Seafood Systems, and G. Bradt
Zoom meeting with Jen Marden, Michael Doherty, and Mike Coogan
Thanks to modern technology, we were able to bring in expert guests from around the world. Pictured in this Zoom call with Mike Doherty and Mike Coogan is Jen Marden, an incredible schoolteacher using aquaculture in her classroom. Photo credit: Gabriela Bradt/Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems

Dive into the deep end with us as we explore the world’s fastest-growing food industry. Each episode features conversations with industry professionals, researchers, and educators who reveal the systems, stories, and science behind modern aquaculture. Whether you’re a curious eater, a coastal neighbor, or someone who likes to nerd out about ocean science, there’s something for you.

The pilot episode kicks off with a splash—and some truly odd “aquajobs” our hosts held before finding their calling. From underwater treasure hunts to semi-legal fish sales, you’ll learn that there’s never a dull day when your office is the ocean. Later episodes explore everything from farming mahi-mahi and queen conch to discovering the many uses of seaweed—yes, even in ice cream. You’ll also meet the innovators ensuring everyone has a place on the water and educators using aquaculture to teach real-world skills like safe power tool use and building a bell siphon. (Wait, what’s a bell siphon? Tune in to find out!)

Podcast hosts in conversation
When we could, we got our guests into the studio. Here is Jaclyn Robidoux, seaweed extraordinaire, chatting with Mike Coogan about the powerful uses of seaweed in supporting marine ecosystems. Photo credit: G. Bradt
Three people holding up kelp
Eat Kelp! Jacyln practices what she preaches and spreads the message all over New England in her rugged wrangler. Photo credit: G. Bradt, J.Robidoux, M. Coogan
People gathered around a table with pizzas
Our final episode brought fellows from the Seacoast Science Center to bust aquaculture myths and create solutions for how the next generation can ensure we have healthy oceans and good food on our plates. Photo credit: G. Bradt

From the basics to the nitty-gritty, Get Aquacultured! shows how aquaculture can be a powerful tool for conservation and coastal resilience—all while keeping things light, funny, and full of saltwater charm. Whether you’ve spent decades in the industry or just learned what aquaculture is, there’s plenty here for you to enjoy. We love the ocean as much as we love good food, and we believe that knowing where your seafood comes from is the first step toward feeding yourself, your loved ones—and the planet—wisely.

Collage of guest speakers
Some of our salty guests! From top left moving clockwise: Dr. Dan Benetti, Imani Black, Travis Knorr, Jen Marden, Jaclyn Robidoux, Chris Asbell and Megan Davis. Photo credit from top left moving clockwise: D. Benedetti (U of Miami), I. Black (Minorities in Aquaculture), T. Knorr, J. Robidoux, C. Asbell, M. Davis

This podcast was made possible through the eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grants program, which helped us turn this briny dream into a reality. Not everyone can get out on the water—but now you can close your eyes, hit play, and imagine you’re on a skiff steaming down the Chesapeake with a deck full of fresh oysters. Download Get Aquacultured! wherever you get your podcasts, and we’ll see you on the water!

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!


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