Project abstract purpose: washington sea grant will provide aquaculture workforce development to strengthen the shellfish aquaculture industry and improve public perception of the industry, which is…

The University of Washington received a $1.116 million Cooperative Agreement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Sea Grant Support program (CFDA 11.417), awarded September 1, 2025, with completion scheduled for August 31, 2028. Washington Sea Grant will develop and expand workforce development training for the shellfish aquaculture industry through optimization and statewide expansion of the TIDES OUT pilot program, curriculum development, high school student engagement initiatives, and program evaluation. The project will also create communication materials to enhance public perception of shellfish aquaculture and develop career marketing collateral to improve industry social license.

The deliverables include a scalable workforce training model adaptable to other regions, job-ready training for prospective and current crew members, recruitment and retention guidance for farm owners and managers, and comprehensive outreach materials highlighting aquaculture career opportunities. Additionally, Washington Sea Grant will expand its aquaculture extension capacity from one specialist to two specialists, enabling enhanced service delivery to shellfish aquaculture businesses, prospective employees, and rural, coastal, and tribal communities throughout Washington State. Expected outcomes include increased career pathways and employment access for rural and tribal populations, improved workforce readiness among youth, and strengthened industry capacity to address workforce challenges through awareness of local resources and support programs.

Activities

This project will perform the following activities: curriculum development and expansion, program evaluation, and a comprehensive communications, outreach and technology transfer plan.

Expected outcomes

Individuals in rural, coastal and tribal communities in washington will have increased access to jobs and other career opportunities in shellfish aquaculture. Youth will have strengthened career pathways within fisheries and aquaculture. Prospective and new crew members will have job-ready knowledge and skills. Farm owners and managers will have skilled employees ready to work. Farm owners and managers will have the knowledge and skills to recruit and retain a next-generation workforce. Shellfish companies will have greater awareness of local resources, programs, organizations to solve or adapt to address workforce challenges. A model will be developed for aquaculture workforce training adaptable to other regions. Washington sea grant will grow its aquaculture extension capacity from 1 specialist to 2 aquaculture specialists, improving service delivery and depth of expertise.

Intended beneficiaries

Shellfish aquaculture businesses, prospective employees, high school educators and students, rural and coastal communities, and the public.