The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium’s Russell “Rusty” Grice, an aquaculture business extension specialist, has been elected as a member of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) Board of Directors. Grice will serve a three-year term, beginning this month, helping guide the strategic direction of the global organization as it works to advance sustainable aquaculture development.
WAS, with more than 3,000 members in nearly 100 countries, is the leading professional organization in the field of aquaculture science, technology and education. Its Board of Directors manages the society’s business affairs and is responsible for ensuring progress toward its long-term vision and strategic goals.
Grice serves aquaculture producers across the Gulf Coast region through his work with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Auburn University Shellfish Lab and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. He provides business education, planning tools and permitting guidance for new and existing oyster farmers and works to streamline operations and improve farm-level economic sustainability. His efforts have contributed to the resilience and growth of shellfish aquaculture in Alabama, Mississippi and beyond.
“Being elected to the board is a reflection of the opportunities I’ve had through Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, including the Sea Grant Aquaculture Leadership Academy and presenting on Sea Grant programming at numerous workshops and conferences around the country,” said Grice. “While I specialize in oyster aquaculture business education, I’m excited to collaborate with global colleagues on diverse species and approaches to aquaculture.”
He is pursuing a postgraduate specialist in education degree and holds a Master of Natural Resources, as well as bachelor’s degrees in psychology and operations management, all from Auburn University.
“Rusty has been a leader for several important projects for the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, including developing and implementing the Oyster Farming Resilience Index self-assessment and an oyster farming apprenticeship program,” Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Director LaDon Swann said. “In addition, Rusty was the lead for a much-needed oyster purchasing program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I enjoy working with Rusty because he cares deeply about the oyster farming community and has always been willing to try new methods to make oyster farming more sustainable. I know he will be a great board member for the World Aquaculture Society.
Grice brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, corporate management, marketing and recruitment to his new role. He has founded and operated private companies, secured funding for aquaculture research and outreach, and managed multinational corporate accounts. His broad perspective on business development, organizational management and stakeholder engagement will inform his contributions to WAS, particularly in areas such as membership growth, financial sustainability and global outreach.
“My vision for WAS is to position aquaculture as the leading frontier in the global shift toward sustainable food systems,” Grice said. “By promoting knowledge-sharing, innovation and strategic collaboration, WAS can help the world meet rising demand for food while protecting ecosystems and supporting resilient communities.”
About the World Aquaculture Society
Founded in 1969, the World Aquaculture Society is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology and education of aquaculture around the world. Through its international chapters and diverse membership, WAS provides leadership in fostering communication, collaboration and innovation across the global aquaculture community.
About the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states. Sea Grant programs encourage the wise stewardship of marine resources through research, education, engagement and technology transfer.