The Aquatic Resources Team provides quality, science-based programs to promote the long-term, profitable, and sustainable benefits of well-managed, diverse aquatic resources. Emphasis is on environmental stewardship, best management practices, and economic sustainability.

Aquaculture • Recreation • Stewardship

• Reached 156,000 viewers through Facebook educational and promotional content.
• Delivered 3,949 hours of instruction, generated 66,193 YouTube views, and provided learning opportunities pertaining to aquaculture and aquaponics education for more than 4,000 students.
• Engaged more than 56,000 podcast listeners with timely aquatic resources information.
• Conducted 72 hands-on water quality monitoring trainings statewide.
• Awarded 500 certifications to newly trained water stewards.
• Engaged 120 stakeholders in Mississippi and 246 in Alabama in oyster restoration efforts, generating an estimated $570,620 in economic value.
• Delivered 88 aquatic recreation classes for communities statewide, during which participants paddled 188 miles and explored 62 public water bodies.
• Involved 4,000-plus students in aquaculture and natural resource stewardship education at pumpkin patches, water festivals, and school programs.
• Secured $2,547,934 in grant funding to support aquatic resource initiatives across Alabama.

Anita Kelly, Extension Professor, Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University

New April 2026, Aquatic Resources Team Impacts 2025, ANR-3244