2026 Ballot to Elect Two Board of Director

2026 Ballot to Elect Two Board of Directors Representing the Individual Member Category

Please vote for 2 of the 2 nominees.

Your ballot must arrive at the NAA office no later than 11:59 pm eastern on Wednesday, February 12, 2026. Please note voting is limited to Individual, Silver, Gold or Platinum members. 

If you need assistance completing this form or have any questions, please contact NAA at naa@nationalaquaculture.org.

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Please vote for two (2) Board of Directors


Jeff Hetrick a 45-year veteran of Alaska aquaculture with experience in salmon ocean ranching, owning, and managing commercial shellfish farms and since 2002 the Director of the non-profit Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute (APMI) in Seward, Alaska.

Under Jeff’s leadership, APMI has become a regional leader with statewide impact in coastal marine science, mariculture development, and marine research and development. The institute conducts research across a wide range of topics including ocean acidification, marine animal behavior and physiology, harmful algae, marine pathogens, habitat restoration, and the preservation of subsistence and recreational fisheries.

APMI is the recognized leader in the production of kelp and shellfish seed stock for Alaska’s mariculture industry and Tribal partners. APMI produces oyster and geoduck seed for the aquatic farming industry as well as producing numerous species for subsistence fisheries, including littleneck, butter, softshell clams, and cockles. Research on emerging species including bidarkis, abalone, razor clams, sea cucumbers, king crab, purple-hinged rock scallops, pink and spiny scallops, and multiple kelp species. The organization recently established a kelp seed nursery that produces seeded spools for farmers across Alaska.

APMI also operates the Chugach Regional Ocean Monitoring (CROM) Laboratory, which manages a network of monitoring sites throughout Southcentral Alaska. These sites collect data on water chemistry, ocean acidification, nutrients, and harmful algal blooms (HABs). APMI’s laboratory programs include ocean chemistry, HAB and shellfish biotoxin analysis, biological and habitat laboratories, eDNA research, and applied and basic marine science education.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland and an MBA from California Coast University. Currently Jeff serves on the NAA Board of Directors, Western Regional Aquaculture Center Industry Advisory Committee, Pacific Aquaculture Alliance vice-president, Executive Commitee of the Alaska Ocean Observatory System and has memberships in NSA, PCSGA and is a founding member and past president of the Alaska Shellfish Growers Association (ASGA).



Vote for Jeff Hetrick


Mark Kubecka, a native of Palacios, Texas, and third-generation Matagorda County farmer, received his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering in 1996 and Master of Science in Environmental Engineering in 1998 from Texas A&M University. After graduation, Mark spent four years as an environmental engineer with Environmental Resource Management in Houston.

In 2002, Mark returned to his hometown of Palacios to build and manage his own aquaculture business. Mark produced catfish, red drum, hybrid striped bass, and marine ornamentals on his farm. Mark is now the Business Manager for Bowers & Saha Aquaculture LLC, the largest hybrid striped bass and red fish producer in the US.

Mark is a member of the World Aquaculture Association and the Texas Aquaculture Society (TAA). He is past President of TAA and still actively serves on its board of directors.

Additionally, Mark is a member of several other service organizations and holds leadership positions in many: Palacios Volunteer Fire Department (Secretary), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Jr. Commercial Steer Committee and, Coastal Plain Groundwater District (Chairman).

Mark is also a graduate of the Texas Agriculture Lifetime Leadership (TALL) program

Vote for Mark Kubecka

You may also choose to vote for a write-in candidate. Please provide their full name and contact information (email & phone).