Erin Arneson serves as the unit’s Seafood Specialist. She works with the local seafood industry to provide technical support and education. With technical knowledge of biology, ecology and aquaculture, she acts as a subject resource and connects people based on their needs and goals. Arneson is also certified to teach the Seafood HACCP Training. In her previous position, she coordinated field work at the Shellfish Research Lab on Skidaway Island, setting up research sites and managing data collection in order to research topics like oyster reef restoration and aquaculture.

Prior to joining Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant in 2022, she completed her master’s research on ocean acidification and the resilience of the coral Oculina arbuscula at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Arneson received a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, gardening and kayaking.