BAP Staff Spotlight: Katie Butler

Tell us a little about your background – where did you go to school? What was your major?

Since I can remember I have been fascinated by the ocean and all the life within it. This curiosity led me to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) where I’ve completed a degree in Marine, Estuary, and Freshwater Biology. After graduation I had the opportunity to work as a teacher of oceanography, a naturalist in ecology, and in the field of environmental toxicology.

Why are you passionate about this industry?

Growing up on the coast of Maine I was always surrounded by seafood. It wasn’t until I was in college that I become aware of the battle that the seafood industry will face in meeting the global demand for seafood. I became dedicated to doing my part in finding the solution. I founded the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Club at UNH with the goal to raise awareness of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture by giving undergraduates the opportunity to works hands on with professionals in the field.

Tell us about your role with BAP – what is your day-to-day like? What have you learned by working here?

I have been with GAA since July of 2018 as the BAP New Facility / Operations Coordinator. Each day I review applications for all new facilities who are interested in the BAP certification program. I then work with t new facilities throughout the on boarding process of certification. I also work to assist in the day to day operations of the continuously growing BAP Operations department. GAA and BAP has allowed me to use my passion for aquatic biology to promote responsible aquaculture in a way that is making a difference in the environment that has fascinated me to this day. I have gained considerable knowledge from working side by side with some of the industry’s top professionals. I have also gained a greater understanding of the ins and outs of aquaculture by working directly with our BAP facilities.

What do you do in your free time?

I am a Naturalist at the Seacoast Science Center (SSC) in Rye, NH. As a naturalist I work to promote their mission of sparking curiosity, enhancing understanding, and inspiring conservation of our Blue Plant by educating guests on subjects such as saltmarsh ecology, tidepool adaptations, and even aquaculture.

I am also apart of Southeast Watershed Alliance, an organization that focuses on the need to protect and improve the water quality within the watershed of local towns here on the coast of New Hampshire.

In my free time, I also enjoy scuba diving in the chilly waters of New Hampshire and hiking in the White Mountains.