Keynote Speakers —
2025 Mariculture Conference of Alaska
Wednesday Keynote Speaker: Robert Venables
Robert Venables, Southeast Conference, Executive Director
Often referred to as “Mr. Southeast”, Robert has lived and worked in Southeast Alaska since arriving in Haines in 1984. He has served on many local and state boards and commissions, including the Haines Chamber of Commerce, the Alaska State Chamber, the state’s Marine Transportation Advisory Board and the AMHS Reshaping Work Group. He also served on the Governor’s energy security task force and previous advisory boards for the proposed natural gas pipeline. He served as the Haines Economic Development Director, Planning Commissioner and Borough Manager.
Venables' involvement with Southeast Conference began in 1997 through the Haines Chamber of Commerce. He joined the SEC Board of Directors in 2001 and served as board president in 2005. He stepped down from the board in 2008 to take the position of energy coordinator. In this new role, He helped facilitate the first regional energy plan, was a member of the Alaska House Energy Committee Stakeholder's Group and worked with utilities and communities to develop key infrastructure of hydros and interties throughout the region.
Additionally, Venables has worked on planning and project development for multiple industry sectors in the region including transportation, natural resource development, biomass, tourism, mining, broadband and most recently mariculture development. The EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge offers unprecedented opportunities that align with his passion for Alaska, its people, sustainable communities, and capacity building.
Thursday Keynote Speaker: Danielle Blacklock
Danielle Blacklock, NOAA Fisheries, Office of Aquaculture, Director
Danielle Blacklock oversees the aquaculture component of NOAA’s sustainable seafood portfolio. She is responsible for providing the strategic vision for developing a strong marine aquaculture industry in the United States. Specifically, she leads the office’s work on several distinct priority areas including regulation and policy, science, outreach, and international activities in support of U.S. aquaculture.
Blacklock came to this position after serving in various roles within the agency for the past 10 years. Most recently, she served as a Senior Policy Advisor for Aquaculture. Prior to that, she was the Senior Advisor for Operations at Fisheries, providing advice and support to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations.
Blacklock received her Master’s Degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington, and her Bachelor's Degree in Marine Science from the University of Maine.
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