For the first time in history, people now consume more seafood from farms than from fisheries. When done right, the practice of aquaculture — raising aquatic animals and plants — supports growers and their neighbors. But when done poorly and on a massive scale, it resembles industrial farming that damages local ecosystems, cultures, and economies.
The North American Marine Alliance (NAMA) is working with allies to develop the Atlas as a digital platform to help those in the field connect, learn and grow our collective ability to provide ethically farmed seafood. The Atlas aims to bring together and resource the world of seafarmers, policymakers, researchers, chefs, and more.
As an online home for those who support practices rooted in values, the Atlas will be packed with resources and real-life stories to help grow a thriving seafood economy that respects local communities, safeguards natural resources, and shares profit from source to table.
(Left: Mr. William "Bubba" Green, a values-based aqua-farmer from the Gullah Geechee Nation)
A growing number of companies market their products as ‘sustainable,’ yet their operations harm both people and planet. In 2023, seafood communities came together from across the nation to define what real values-based aquaculture should look like, namely practices that:
Secure our food supply
with diverse, plentiful and culturally meaningful seafood
Safeguard ecosystems
through production methods that work with, not against the delicate balance of life on land, in sea and in local waterways
Center community
by honoring the social, economic and cultural fabric that sustains strong fisheries
Open opportunity
for new and diverse participants of all ages, genders, races, cultures, and incomes
Protect workers
along every link in the seafood supply chain by providing living wages, safe working conditions, and work with dignity
Honor local knowledge
that makes aquaculture thrive in harmony with surrounding ecosystems and communities
Respect Tribal rights
of nations in their traditional homelands and affirm their legal and moral rights to protected resources under the Public Trust Doctrine
Uphold accountability
through regulations that are fair, clear and transparent
We want to hear about your wishes and needs!
Click this link or scan the QR code to complete a short survey. Just 10 minutes of your time can help us build the Atlas into a powerful and practical tool.
Who is running the survey?
Staff of the North Atlantic Marine Alliance
Who can participate in this survey?
Aqua-farmers, chefs, communications professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
Why should I contribute to the survey?
We want the Aquaculture Atlas to meet you where you are and support your needs and aspirations toward ethical aquaculture. Whether that means providing information on leasing policies in your local waters or access to new markets, your responses will help us design a platform that’s useful for the challenges and opportunities you face.
What happens to the answers I provide?
All data collected through this survey will be used solely to inform the features we design into the Atlas. Your responses are kept anonymous and confidential!
If you are interested in receiving information about the project, you may choose to add your name and email in the survey, but do not require it. Nor we will not share your information with anyone or mention your contribution to the project.
If you have other further questions or ideas, drop us a line at: info@aquacultureatlas.org.
Copyright 2025: North American Marine Alliance (NAMA)
The Atlas for Values-Based Aquaculture is a collaborative project led by:
Antonio Tovar, Andrianna Natsoulas and Jon Russell — North American Marine Alliance (NAMA)
Cristina Sandolo — Sandolo Consulting
Geran Tarr and Kenneth Palmer — State Innovation Exchange (SiX)
Haley Stein and Mia Glover — Inland Ocean Coalition (IOC)
The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future provides science advising and technical assistance through the support of Liz Nussbaumer.
