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NOAA launches national aquaculture initiative to strengthen U.S. seafood production

Responsible Seafood Advocate

The $13.5 million initiative will bring together researchers and industry partners to advance aquaculture innovation and seafood production

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NOAA is investing $13.5 million in a new national aquaculture initiative aimed at expanding domestic seafood production. Credit: UNH/NHSG.

NOAA is investing $13.5 million in a new national aquaculture initiative aimed at expanding domestic seafood production through research, technology development and industry partnerships.

The Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM) will support research and partnerships to make domestic seafood production more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) was selected to lead the institute following a competitive application process.

“The United States has unrivalled infrastructure to be a leader in seafood production with responsible aquaculture,” said David Fredriksson, director of UNH’s Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems. “We want to be thoughtful and proceed in partnership with communities to produce seafood that fits the wide range of ecosystems, cultures and economies for each region.”

The five-year institute will focus on research aimed at advancing aquaculture production and supporting the U.S. seafood sector. Researchers will explore new aquaculture technologies, apply artificial intelligence to aquaculture operations and study ocean conditions that influence seafood production. The program will also support offshore farming trials, demonstration farms and seafood market research.

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The institute will bring together a national network of partners, including universities, Sea Grant programs and aquaculture research organizations across the United States. NOAA officials said expanding U.S. aquaculture is important to building a more resilient food system.

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“The United States is finally recognizing aquaculture as a vital complement to our world-class fisheries,” said Neil Jacobs, NOAA administrator. “We look forward to collaborating with these exemplary partners to continue to unlock the potential of this industry in the United States.”

According to NOAA, Americans consume more than $24 billion worth of seafood each year, with about half of that supply produced through aquaculture overseas. The agency said the new institute is intended to support domestic seafood production through research and innovation while creating opportunities for coastal communities and the aquaculture sector.

Read more here.

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