AltaSea’s Blue + Green Webinar Series #3: Advancing Aquaculture through Advocacy and Policy

AltaSea’s Blue + Green Webinar Series #3: Advancing Aquaculture through Advocacy and Policy

This online event is part of AltaSea’s ongoing webinar series focusing on the intersection of ocean sustainability and innovation. In this session, experts will discuss the importance of advocacy and policy in advancing aquaculture practices. Join us to learn about the latest developments in the industry and how you can make a difference. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with leaders in the field and contribute to a more sustainable future for our oceans.

Advancing aquaculture through advocacy and policy involves understanding and influencing the regulations, laws, and public opinions that shape the aquaculture industry. It encompasses efforts to promote sustainable practices, foster community engagement, and advocate for policies supportive of aquaculture development.

Panel Discussions: Engaging with policymakers, advocacy groups, and industry leaders in panel discussions to understand diverse perspectives and strategies for advancing aquaculture through policy and advocacy.

Current State of Aquaculture Policies: Analyzing existing regulations governing aquaculture operations at local, state, and federal levels, such as permits, environmental standards, and zoning laws.

Advocacy Strategies: Learning about advocacy methods used by communities and organizations to influence policymakers, including grassroots campaigns, coalition-building, and policy research. Impact: Showcasing examples of regions or organizations that have successfully lobbied for pro-aquaculture policies, leading to increased investment, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

Moderator

Jade Clemons, BlueSEA Director, AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles

Jade Clemons is a recovering lawyer and budding economist. She held various legal roles, predominantly in the tech sector, before pursuing a Master of Economics degree to steer her career in the direction of public policy. During these studies, an internship at the United Nations Development Program introduced her to economic development work, which would become her passion. She comes to AltaSea after serving as the Sr. Program Manager of the Planetary program at the Berggruen Institute, where she promoted equitable and sustainable economic systems with an eye towards human and non-human flourishing. Prior to her time at the Berggruen Institute, she served as the Associate Director of the Center for Regional Economics at the Milken Institute focusing on small business and sustainability initiatives. A California native, she earned her B.A. in Business Administration from Pepperdine University, her J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and her M.A. in Economics from the University of Southern California.

Panelists:

Mark Gold, Director of Water Scarcity Solutions, Environmental Health, Natural Resources Defense Council

Dr. Mark Gold focuses on building climate resilience through integrated water management solutions for the increasingly arid urban California and the West. From 2019–2022, Gold served as Governor Gavin Newsom’s deputy secretary for Oceans and Coastal Policy and executive director of the Ocean Protection Council. He served as a key advisor to the governor and the secretary of Natural Resources and directed policy, scientific research, and critical partnerships to increase protection of coastal and ocean resources in California. Prior to his appointment, he was the UCLA associate vice chancellor for Environment and Sustainability, where he helped create and lead its Sustainable LA Grand Challenge effort. Before becoming associate vice chancellor, Gold was the interim director and associate director of the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. He has been an adjunct professor at UCLA for more than 15 years. Prior to UCLA, Gold served as president of the environmental group Heal the Bay for 18 years. Over the course of his career, Gold has focused on all things wet, and his research focused on beach water quality and health risks as well as sustainable water resources management and sustainable cities. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology and his doctorate in environmental science and engineering, all from UCLA. Gold has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Metropolitan Water District and the California Coastal Commission. He is based in Santa Monica, California.

Eliza Harrison, Director of California Operations, Ocean Rainforest (eliza@oceanrainforest.com)

Eliza Harrison serves as the Director of California Operations for Ocean Rainforest, Inc. in Santa Barbara,CA. Since January 2020, she has co-led the development and implementation of a six-year research program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to assess the feasibility of Giant kelp cultivation in southern California. Eliza is responsible for executing a variety of administrative and research-oriented tasks, which include coordinating with state and federal agency representatives, facilitating an offshore infrastructure installation, environmental and biomass sampling, giving public presentations, performing market research, establishing a laboratory facility, etc. Eliza has had an opportunity to support Ocean Rainforest’s work in seaweed harvesting, processing and packaging since summer 2017. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Health Science from the Gilling School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill and has studied extensively at the Duke University Marine Lab.

Teri King, Washington and Oregon Regional Aquaculture Coordinator, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Teri King is the Washington and Oregon Regional Aquaculture Coordinator for the West Coast Regional Office.