In this session planned for Aquaculture 2025, we will explore the values of research, community, collaboration, and celebration while bringing together the current and future generations of leaders in aquaculture. Women and individuals from underrepresented identities will be featured to speak about their work and lived experiences in the field. Topics will be wide ranging, but focused on strengthening diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in aquaculture. Time for open discussion and a facilitated panel will allow attendees to exchange stories, build community, and share ideas to enhance DEIA in aquaculture. We welcome anyone who supports a more diverse and inclusive aquaculture industry to join us for this session. Students are especially encouraged to join us.

We welcome talks from all perspectives and experience levels that discuss one or more of the following: challenges faced by women and marginalized identities in the industry; description and/or results of programs designed to enhance DEIA or opportunities for underrepresented groups in aquaculture; experiences of management and HR professionals in dealing with harassment and discrimination; programs that include diverse community partnerships; diverse career paths and perspectives; and tangible policy initiatives to advance equity in aquaculture. Talks that do not fall explicitly in these categories but are in the spirit of the session will still be considered. We especially encourage students to engage in this session.

Speakers who wish to be included in this session should email Marcy (Marcy.Cockrell@noaa.gov) with their name, talk title (tentative is ok), and a brief description of the talk (100 words or less). The description should have enough detail for the session organizers to determine if it is a good fit for the session. All talks will be limited to 15 minutes (12 minutes + 3 minutes for questions) to fit within conference timeslots. Abstracts are not required, but are encouraged. 

The abstract deadline is September 30th, and the direct link for submission is here: https://www.was.org/Meeting/Abstract/Submit/AQ2025.

Please note: students who would like to be considered for waived registration to participate in this session must submit an abstract through the conference website and email a brief statement of need to the session chairs (250 words or less) to be eligible. If you have questions about this student registration waiver opportunity, please contact Marcy.Cockrell@noaa.gov.