Among the Commonwealth’s state agencies, marketing and promotional support of aquaculture and aquaculture products is the primary responsibility of the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR). To that end, since the 1996 commencement of the Aquaculture Development Program, a number of initiatives have been undertaken in effort to support the industry. Principal among those has been the annual participation in the International Boston Seafood Show. In preparation for the show each year, interested industry members participate in the planning and operation of a Massachusetts Aquaculture booth which allows them to advertise their products and increase awareness about aquaculture in Massachusetts . The ultimate intent of exposing industry members to the IBSS is to encourage their continued participation through the eventual renting of booth space adjacent to the DAR booth. Through increased industry participation, a strong Massachusetts presence will be seen at the show, increasing awareness and public recognition of ‘Massachusetts Grown and Fresher’ aquaculture products. 

Promotional and marketing support has also been made available through grant programs at DAR Division of Agricultural Development. The Massachusetts Aquaculture Centers Network that is comprised of the Northeastern and Southeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Centers and the Western Massachusetts Center for Sustainable Aquaculture (NEMAC, SEMAC and WMCSA) also provides marketing and promotional assistance through a variety of exhibits and events.