By Texas Aquaculture Association
The Texas Aquaculture Association (TAA) held its Annual Meeting, January 19-21, 2026, in Fulton, Texas, bringing together nearly 100 aquaculture producers, industry partners, researchers, and stakeholders from across Texas and eight other states to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities within Texas aquaculture.
The meeting featured a keynote address by Dan Hunter, State Executive Director of the Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) who shared insights into the services offered by the FSA while recognizing the important role TAA plays in providing a voice for aquaculture farmers to address policy and service needs. Hunter’s remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the industry. Attendees praised Hunter’s comments for his timely perspective and practical takeaways, especially in light of the freezing weather conditions in many parts of Texas this week.
Caitlyn Czajkowski, president of the National Aquaculture Association, provided an overview of trends and policies nationally impacting aquaculture. Other speakers addressed fish nutrition, aquaponics, offshore opportunities, water quality improvement, lake and pond management, oyster business trends and marketing, labor solutions, AI in aquaculture, TAA’s new strategic planning intentions this spring and the ongoing advocacy efforts supporting Texas aquaculture producers.
Dr. Delbert Gatlin III, Senior Professor, Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management at Texas A&M University and AgriLife Research was presented with TAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. TAA board member and Texas A&M alum Jim Ekstrom presented the award, recognizing that Dr. Gatlin had been appointed Regents Professor Emeritus of the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University in 2012, the highest honor bestowed by the A&M System on faculty members. Jim noted, “Dr. Gatlin has advised over 60 graduate students including 33 who have earned M.S. degrees and 30 who have earned Ph.D. degrees with specialization in aquaculture and/or fish nutrition. He’s literally mentored a generation of scientists who now lead government agencies, global feed companies, and academic departments across the world.”
Also, during the meeting, the TAA reelected board members with expiring terms and announced its 2026 Board of Directors. The Executive Officers include Brian Brawner (Hayward Flow Control), President; Brian Ray (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension), Vice President; Shane Nicaud (Gulf States Aquaculture), Secretary; and Nasir Kureshy (Turtle Creek Aquaculture), Treasurer.
Other board members include Mark Kubecka (Bowers & Saha Aquaculture), John Jones (Lochow Ranch Pond & Lake Management), Jim Ekstrom (Ekstrom Aquaculture), Chase Holub (Holub Fish, LLC), Amanda Saha (Saha Fish), Jim Meyn (Palacios Marine Agricultural Research (PMAR)), Mike Robison (Brenham Fisheries), Brandon Bowers (Texas Mariculture-Carancahua Bay LP), David Aparicio (Oyster Bros.) and Fritz Jaenike (Jaenike Consulting and past TAA Executive Director).
Attendees enjoyed some of the finest locally produced aquaculture samplings, with an oyster tasting reception sponsored by PMAR featuring oysters from Three Sisters Oyster Co., Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens and Dan’s Gulf Coast Oysters. The President’s Banquet featured redfish from Gulf States Aquaculture, prepared by Chef Adam Gonzalez of Gabriela’s Seafood & Tapas in Rockport. Attendees were also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oceans & Wildlife Institute and Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi.
“The Annual Meeting is an important opportunity for TAA members and other stakeholders to connect, learn, and help shape the future of Texas aquaculture,” said Brian Brawner, TAA President. “We are grateful to all of the speakers who provided such impactful information and resources and to our sponsors for their tremendous support. We look forward to the future under the leadership of our Board of Directors and the re-energized engagement of TAA’s members.”
Meeting sponsors included PMAR, Gulf States Aquaculture, Rangen, Capital Farm Credit – El Campo, Cargill, Skretting, Oyster Research and Recovery Center, Syndel, Shoppa’s, Tyler Fish Farm, Austwest Aqua Farm, Hayward Flow Control and the Oceans & Wildlife Institute.
For more information about the Texas Aquaculture Association and its programs, visit: TexasAquaculture.org.
About the Texas Aquaculture Association
The Texas Aquaculture Association is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the aquaculture industry in Texas through education, advocacy, and collaboration among producers and industry partners.
