Anoushka Concepcion
Anoushka Concepcion has worked at the forefront of U.S. marine aquaculture for more than 25 years, leading national, regional, and state-level initiatives that have shaped the development of the domestic seaweed and shellfish sectors. Her expertise sits at the intersection of program leadership, regulatory strategy, industry development, and science-based extension.
Since 2011, Anoushka has built and led major aquaculture initiatives across the United States—including Connecticut Sea Grant’s Seaweed Extension Program, the National Seaweed Hub, and multiple multi-million-dollar federal projects focused on removing barriers to seaweed production, scaling small-business capacity, and informing policy development. She has managed diverse, multi-institution partnerships; secured over $4 million in competitive federal funding; and produced guidance that helped establish the nation’s first seaweed food safety framework, later referenced by FAO and WHO.
Her work has been featured in national media including NPR, Connecticut Public Radio, Aquaculture North America, The Conch podcast, and the U.S. Aquaculture Society. She has spoken at conferences across the U.S. and internationally, convened the first National Seaweed Symposium, and regularly advises government agencies, nonprofits, and industry groups on emerging aquaculture issues.
Anoushka currently serves as Chair of the Strategic Advisory Council for the UN Global Compact’s Global Seaweed Coalition, a Board Member of Minorities in Aquaculture, and a Member-at-Large on the U.S. Aquaculture Society Executive Board. She has participated on numerous federal and state technical review panels and contributed to peer-reviewed publications, regulatory guidance, and national reports.
She is pursuing her PhD in Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, where her research examines motivations, wellbeing, and retention among U.S. kelp farmers, and how communication strategies shape decisions to enter the industry.
Contact
- Email: [email protected]