This panel session will delve into the diverse opportunities for the USDA to support the seafood and fisheries industry, focusing on industry collaboration and marketing initiatives. We will explore how the USDA can leverage its resources and expertise to address the unique challenges facing the seafood sector, promote sustainable practices, and enhance the overall marketability of US seafood products. Panelists will discuss potential avenues for USDA support, including research and development, technical assistance, and marketing programs, highlighting the importance of industry engagement in shaping these initiatives.
The session will also highlight the importance of marketing in promoting US seafood to both domestic and international consumers. Experts will discuss strategies for emphasizing the economic benefits of supporting local fisheries and the slate of opportunities available to terrestrial agriculture producers that could bring significant benefit to the fisheries and seafood industries. By fostering collaboration between the USDA, industry stakeholders, and marketing experts, this panel aims to identify actionable solutions to strengthen the US commercial fishing industry and ensure its long-term sustainability across scales and geographies.