Join Mike Coogan and Gabby Bradt on Get Aquacultured! as they explore diversity and inclusion in the aquaculture industry with Imani Black, the founder of Minorities in Aquaculture. Discover the untold stories of Black watermen in the Chesapeake Bay and gain actionable insights on creating a more equitable and diverse seafood industry.

In This Episode:

Guest Speaker: Imani Black – Founder and CEO of the Non-profit, Minorities in Aquaculture, Oyster farmer

Host: Mike Coogan, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems, University of New Hampshire 

Co-host: Gabriela Bradt, Ph.D. Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension State Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant/UNH Cooperative Extension, University of New Hampshire 

Show Notes

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize the historical contributions of Black watermen and the challenges they faced in the Chesapeake Bay.
• Understand the importance of capital and community support in sustaining diverse participation in aquaculture.
• Identify the skills and traits that are valuable in aquaculture beyond academic credentials.
• Support organizations like Minorities in Aquaculture that promote workforce development and inclusivity.
• Advocate for accessible entry points into the aquaculture industry for individuals from all backgrounds.

Resources Mentioned:

• Minorities in Aquaculture Website 
• Chef’s Table (Netflix Show)
• McIntosh and Son Oyster Farm
• The Grey Restaurant
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation 
• Aquaculture North America 
• Sunflower Sea Star Lab
• Cultured Abalone Farm
• EE Blue Aquaculture Literacy Grant
• NOAA 
• North American Association for Environmental Education 

Connect With Us:

• Imani Black (Minorities in Aquaculture)
• Mike Coogan (Host)
• Gabby Bradt (Co-host) 

Subscribe to Get Aquacultured:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon

Quotes:

• Imani Black: “When we go to, like, aquaculture things, we’re the only speck of pepper in a sea of salt.”
• Imani Black: “It’s not over until you say it’s over.”

Behind the Story:

Imani Black’s path wasn’t always clear. Despite a lineage of Black watermen, she initially felt like the black sheep of her family, who were mostly professionals in other fields. It wasn’t until she rediscovered her heritage and faced the realities of limited representation in aquaculture that she founded Minorities in Aquaculture, transforming her personal journey into a mission to uplift and empower others.

Take Action:

Explore the Minorities in Aquaculture website and consider applying for their internship program or becoming a host farm.

Share This Episode:

Learn how Imani Black is changing the face of aquaculture! Listen to the latest Get Aquacultured! episode and discover the importance of diversity and inclusion in the seafood industry. #aquaculture #diversity #inclusion #seafood #MinoritiesinAquaculture