2,600 Members, One Exchange: Celebrating Three Years of AIE
October is full of reasons to celebrate, and National Seafood Month and Halloween are just the tip of the iceberg. For members of the Aquaculture Information Exchange (AIE), it also marks another year of connecting the U.S. aquaculture community. As the AIE turns 3, we’re spotlighting the people who make it special. Read on to hear what some of our members have to say about what the Exchange means to them.
How It Started
In 2023, the AIE was created as a long-term, continually evolving online community built on trust, expertise and a common vision, and to help connect experts within the U.S. aquaculture community. Since then, the platform has exceeded expectations and become a champion of the aquaculture industry.
The AIE couldn’t have become what it is today without Jay Clark, assistant director for communications at Virginia Sea Grant, who works closely with the AIE’s funders (NOAA and USDA) to create, host and maintain the platform. Here’s what Jay had to say when asked what he hoped the AIE would become and what has surprised him most about the community it has grown into:
“My hope for the AIE was that it would become a useful tool for the aquaculture industry in whatever form it ended up evolving into. I just wanted it to be as easy to use as possible with the ability to add functionality to meet the needs of the members. What surprised me the most was the enthusiasm to join shown by our members outside of the U.S. That was unexpected, and not really something we had anticipated or planned for. One feature that has exceeded initial expectations is the jobs board. It is extremely popular with our members and really helps with community engagement on the platform.”
Jay is the AIE’s No. 1 champion. From designing and building the platform to tabling at conferences across the country and sharing the resource with aquaculturists everywhere, he has been with the Exchange since the beginning and supports its mission every step of the way.
Building the Community
Building a platform is only the beginning. An online community also needs steady management to keep it running smoothly and its members engaged. Joseph Caterine, web and content strategist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), paved the way for how our community runs and continues to contribute to its success. Before moving to his current role managing vims.edu, Joe served as the AIE’s community manager. Here’s what Joe said when asked what the AIE means to him and how it has influenced his career:
“The Aquaculture Information Exchange is a wonderful place. When I was its manager, I was constantly impressed by the spirit of collaboration I saw from members who were always willing to help each other out in a way that was personal and kind — something I don’t see as much on other social networks. Now as the manager of vims.edu (a position I earned thanks in part to my AIE experience), the AIE is the first place I go to share our aquaculture research and news, and it’s where I encourage others to do the same.”
We have Joe to thank for how connected and community-based our network is, along with much of the web development the AIE has had since its launch three years ago. Keep an eye out for more exciting updates from Joe, coming in 2027.
Connections Made Easy
Networking can be hard in any industry, but the AIE makes it easy. With over 2,600 members and more than 100 groups built around common interests, there is something for everyone who shares a passion for aquaculture.
“The AIE community is truly special, and I love introducing the site to others in the aquaculture industry. Representing the AIE at conferences and connecting with people across the industry is one of the highlights of my professional career.” — Bayleigh Albert
Connections make the Exchange more useful. They open the door to private messages and help your posts reach the right people. You can send connection requests the way you would on LinkedIn, with no ads, just aquaculture people. Plus, since the AIE has no algorithm, every reaction you get is organic.
Not sure where to start? Check out “Aquaculture Networking Made Easy: How to Grow Your Presence on the AIE,” a blog post by Joe Caterine about what you can gain by networking on the AIE, how to start and ways you can contribute to our growing aquaculture community.
Get the Most Out of Your AIE Membership
The AIE is driven by dedicated professionals, innovative research and meaningful opportunities. Creating an account is the first step. Here are four ways to make the most of your membership:
- Complete your profile: Add your bio, areas of expertise and a photo. A full profile helps other members find you and know what you can offer, whether you’re a grower, researcher, educator or student.
- Share what you know: Post an update, write a blog, host a webinar or add a resource other members would find useful. Your experience may be the answer someone else is looking for.
- Explore the resources: Browse the Document Library, share your favorite aquaculture infographics or add an event to the calendar. Find new research, training and opportunities to learn from experts across the country.
- Check the jobs board: Our Job Board is one of the most popular features on the AIE. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next role, it’s a direct line to the U.S. aquaculture workforce.
Thank You
Three years in, and the AIE is thriving now more than ever. Thank you to everyone who has joined this community and shared the platform with their networks, helping the Exchange grow.
The AIE wouldn’t be possible without our steering committee, our funders and everyone who has supported its growth. Thank you also to the staff at Virginia Sea Grant who have helped build and maintain the platform since the beginning. A dedicated network built the AIE for a passionate community. Here’s to three more years!
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