Wednesday
March 25, 2026
As part of the 2026 North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference, this day will bring together researchers, workforce and economic development specialists, educators, and industry leaders to share expertise and explore growth and collaboration opportunities within the state’s growing Blue Economy.
8:00 AM
Check In and Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM
Session 1: Blue Economy Workforce Training and Education
About
Growing our state’s aquaculture industry goes hand in hand with development of associated blue economy sectors. This session aims to provide an overview of the education and training opportunities at K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities in the region.
Speakers
Lisa Jackson – STEM East Industry in Schools
Kelly Russell – Perquimans County HS
Dave Cerino – Carteret CC
Steve Hall – NC State University
Mark Ciesielski – UNC Chapel Hill
Ken Halanych – UNC Wilmington
Tom Schultz – Duke University
Emily Yeager – East Carolina University
10:15 AM
Coffee and Trade Show Break
10:45 AM
Session 2: Seafood in the Blue Economy
About
Growing our state’s seafood industry requires innovative approaches to product line development and collaboration within the industry to establish reputations for quality products. This session aims to provide an overview of different product development, marketing, branding, and sales strategies as well as agri-tourism and eco-tourism related to seafood.
Speakers
Monica Smith – Miss Gina’s Shrimp
Cody Faison – Ghost Fleet Oyster Co
Alex Chouljenko – NC Seafood Lab
Barry Nash – NC Catch
Rod Kirk – Carteret County Economic Development
Bianca Shoneman – NC East Alliance
12:00 PM
Lunch and Trade Show Break
12:30 PM – Lunch Keynote from Dave Cerino (Public Private Partnerships)
1:30 PM
Session 3: Research and Coastal Resilience
About
Aquaculture can play an important role in the management and enhancement of coastal ecosystems. This session will provide examples of the intersection of aquaculture with natural resource and coastal infrastructure management.
Speakers
Chad Thomas – NC Marine and Estuary Foundation
Sonya Carlson – NC Aquariums
David Deaton – NC Wildlife Resources (invited)
Riley Lewis – White Oak Riverkeeper
Niels Lindquist – Sandbar Oyster Company
2:30 PM
Break and Trade Show
2:45 PM
Session 4: Strategic Planning
About
In this panel discussion we will identify key resources, policies, and programs that are critical to growing the seafood sector and related blue economy industries in North Carolina. Panelists will share how targeted economic development tailored to our assets and market opportunities can spur investment and job creation.
Speakers
Lavonda Daniels – Array CDC
Abigail Holdsclaw – NCIMPACT
Trey Goodson – NC East Alliance
Ryan Bethea – NC Growth
Jessica Wilkinson – RTI International
Rod Kirk – Carteret Economic Development
Laura Kilian – NC Farm Bureau, NC AgLeads
4:00 PM
Blue Economy Career Fair and Trade Show Networking Hour
Employers, students, and professionals connect for career and business opportunities.