The Aquaculture and Seafood Innovation Center (ASIC) is where (physically and virtually) people can learn about and experience firsthand the sustainable practices, policies, and innovative technologies that contribute to the sustainable production of nutritious and delicious seafood. ASIC is a center for exploration, where people can not only learn but also taste—and purchase for at-home consumption—the many delicious aquatic food products that are produced domestically, from finfish to shellfish to sea vegetables. In addition to serving as a place to experience aquaculture and all it has to offer, ASIC also serves as a “thought incubator” for leaders, policymakers, the NGO community, and academia, where aquaculture can be imagined, tested, and proven in relevant environments to ultimately enhance national food security and economic resiliency. ASIC prefers a “big tent” approach and seeks to expand the seafood aisle rather than fight for existing space on the aisle. Therefore, we are fundamentally complementary to wild fisheries and other means of seafood production.
Mission
ASIC’s mission has three main focal points:
- Public outreach and education to highlight aquaculture as a climate-friendly and sustainable way to help the United States become more food secure by increasing its domestic seafood production.
- Support new producer startup and existing producer expansion through activities that catalyze entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Support public policy and multi-institutional initiatives that foster consumer acceptance and consumption of domestically produced aquatic foods as well as regulatory policies that facilitate the expansion of sustainable commercial aquaculture.
Current Activities
- Actively seeking funding and partnerships to create an aquaculture demonstration and training center based in Oregon with additional demonstration site partnerships in California and Washington.
- Working with multiple government agencies, universities, and civil society organizations to create an Oregon aquaculture development roadmap.
- Consulting services offered by our team of aquaculture professionals that can assist with financial planning, policy development, on-farm services, project management, farm design, species selection and economic analysis, as well as leverage our extensive network of suppliers and experts.
Team
Tony Vaught
Kellen Parrish
John Moehl
Gil Sylvia
Michael Lee