Seafood Economic Analysis and Marketing Research

The Seafood Economic Analysis and Marketing Research (SEAMaR) program at the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center (VSAREC) was established to address a notable data deficit, recognizing a substantial void in economic data and marketing strategies specifically tailored to the seafood industry.

Under the leadership of Jonathan van Senten, assistant director at the Virginia Seafood AREC and assistant professor in the Virginia Tech Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, SEAMaR is a vital component of VSAREC's work to enhance the sustainability of our industries, both environmentally and economically. 

Contact information for the SEAMaR office:

27 W Queensway, Suite 204
Hampton, VA 23669
+1 (757) 900-9912

The program's evolution from a singular faculty member to a multidisciplinary team with diverse capabilities reflects both its inherent value and the pressing industry demand for robust economic analysis and marketing expertise. Bolstered by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in the seafood supply chain, SEAMaR remains adaptable, continuously evolving to meet the emerging needs of Virginia's seafood industry.

The impact reaches beyond the Commonwealth as well. In a nation where seafood imports far exceed domestic production, SEAMaR's scope encompasses assessing consumer preferences, facilitating business development, evaluating economic impacts, and navigating regulatory hurdles at the farm level. This work aids Center faculty in enhancing economic viability, assisting stakeholders in navigating dynamic regulatory landscapes, and gauging the cost-effectiveness of implementing new technologies across the entire seafood supply chain. 

Economic Contributions of the Virginia Seafood Industry in Retail Stores and Restaurants (2023)

Economic Contributions of the Virginia Seafood Industry in Retail Stores and Restaurants (2019)