About

The Texas Aquaculture Association (TAA) is a member-based organization that provides a platform for education, collaboration, and advocacy for the aquaculture industry. Our members are involved directly or indirectly in the commercial production and sale of aquatic organisms, including shrimp, crawfish, oysters, catfish, redfish, tilapia, hybrid striped bass, baitfish, sport fish, ornamental fish, plants and algae. While primarily composed of producers, TAA membership also includes pond and lake managers, suppliers to the industry, researchers, educators, students, and those involved in regulating the industry. Working together, the membership enables TAA to be an effective grass-roots voice for the support of a successful and sustainable industry.

Officers

Brian Brawner, TAA President
Business Development Manager- Aquaculture
Hayward Flow Control

Brian Ray, TAA Vice President
Research Associate/Facility Manager
TAMU Aquaculture Research & Teaching Facility

Nasir Kureshy, TAA Treasurer
Managing Partner
Turtle Creek Aquaculture, LLC

Mark Kubecka, Immediate Past President
Business Manager
Homegrown Seafood

Kay Johnson Smith
Executive Director

Board of Directors

David Apparicio
Co-owner
Oyster Bros

Jim Ekstrom
Founder/owner
Ekstrom Aquaculture, LLC

John Jones
Founder and President
Lochow Ranch Pond and Lake Management

Shane Nicaud
Chief Administrative Officer
Gulf States Aquaculture

Brandon Bowers
Owner/Operator
Texas Mariculture-Carancahua Bay LP

Chase Holub
Owner
Holub Fish, LLC

Jim Meyn
Chief Executive Officer
Palacios Marine Agricultural Research, Inc.

Amanda Saha
Co-owner
Saha Fish

Fritz Jaenike, Immediate Past Executive Director
Founder
Jaenike Consulting

Mike Robison
Owner
Brenham Fisheries

Hall of Fame

H. J. “Red” Ewald

In acknowledgement of his pioneering spirit, outstanding leadership and generous support.

February 2002

Harrell Arms

In acknowledgement of his continuous mentoring of youth, generous support to TAA and to the aquaculture industry in Texas.

January 2011

Rob Schmid

‘Whose service to TAA and to Aquaculture inspires us daily.’

January 2015