Marine aquaculture is a growing part of the seafood system in the United States, but what are the social and political implications of this growth? How has it been influenced by peoples’ values and attitudes toward seafood production and coastal environments? In this lecture Luke Fairbanks will explore insights from the social and policy sciences to better understand the processes, challenges, and opportunities associated with marine aquaculture. According to Fairbanks, social science research offers critical insights and opportunities to inform responsible marine aquaculture growth and improve the wellbeing of coastal communities across the United States. Fairbanks is an assistant research professor at the University of Southern Mississippi.