NAA News Update for January 16, 2026

The National Aquaculture Association continues to stay focused on timely advocacy, industry engagement, and important preparations for the year ahead. Below are key updates on Aquaculture America 2026, upcoming Board elections, and the NAA Auction, NAA’s response to the CDC oyster investigation, and more! 

NAA 2026 Auction: Donate, Attend, and Support NAA

Planning is underway for the 2026 NAA Auction—NAA’s most important annual fundraiser—held each year during Aquaculture America. Funds raised during the NAA Auction are critical to supporting national advocacy, education, and member services.

📅 Wednesday, February 18
🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Paris Hotel, Las Vegas

Each year, members and partners donate an incredible mix of auction items—from seafood packages and fishing trips, outdoor gear, equipment certificates, travel experiences, and so much more! The auction raises critical funds for NAA while providing valuable visibility for donating companies, and it’s always one of the liveliest events of the week. Members are encouraged to donate an item, bring your friends, and come ready to bid BIG in support of NAA during Aquaculture America!

Questions? Email Maria Smithson, NAA Director of Membership and Marketing.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE AN ITEM TO THE 2026 NAA AUCTION

NAA Board Elections & Membership Meeting

📅 Monday, February 16
🕡 Board of Directors Meeting: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🕡 General Membership Meeting: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Paris Hotel, Las Vegas

NAA Board elections are approaching, along with the annual Membership Meeting. The Board plays a vital role in guiding NAA’s governance, policy priorities, and long-term strategy. Members are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in the leadership of the association.

NAA Board Elections
Voting is open from January 16 through February 12.

There are two Board of Directors seats open, and two individuals have been nominated: Jeff Hetrick and Mark Kubecka. Full bios for both candidates are available in your ballot, linked below. Members also have the opportunity to write-in a candidate if preferred.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR 2026 NAA BOARD ELECTION BALLOT

Aquaculture America 2026

📅 February 17–19
📍 Paris Hotel, Las Vegas

NAA is actively preparing for Aquaculture America 2026, where members can expect robust programming, important governance activities, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the U.S. aquaculture sector.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR AQUACULTURE AMERICA 2026

Oyster Update: CDC Investigation & Industry Impacts

Since December 23, NAA has been actively engaged in responding to the CDC Salmonella investigation involving oysters, which emerged just before Christmas during the peak holiday seafood sales season. To date, epidemiological reviews and traceback efforts have not identified a common harvest area, supplier, distribution pathway, or shared event linking reported illnesses, and no harvest area closures or product recalls have been issued. NAA moved quickly to provide members with accurate information, counter misinformation, and engage regulators and media with verified facts.

In addition, NAA has launched a rapid-response survey of oyster producers, processors, and supply-chain businesses to assess real-world impacts. Early results indicate significant economic disruption, lost sales, canceled orders, and reputational harm—often without clear epidemiological links. NAA is using this data to inform ongoing advocacy and communications with federal agencies and policymakers and will continue to monitor developments closely.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE NAA OYSTER SURVEY

Industry Engagement: NACE Conference

In early January, NAA leadership attended the Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition (NACE) and the Milford Aquaculture Seminar in Portland, Maine—connecting with members, partners, and regional organizations, and participating in workshops and discussions focused on the future of aquaculture in the Northeast. NAA values these opportunities to engage directly with producers and strengthen collaboration across regions.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support of NAA’s work on behalf of the U.S. aquaculture industry!