The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced 32 research grants totaling $9.3 million for projects around the country to further develop the nation’s marine and coastal aquaculture industry.
“This country, with its abundant coastline, should not have to import billions of pounds of seafood each year,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These grants will promote aquaculture projects that will help us reduce our trade deficit in this key industry.”
The grants were awarded through two competitions to help spur the development and growth of shellfish, finfish, and seaweed aquaculture businesses. The projects include basic and applied research to improve efficient production of seafood, permitting of new businesses, management of environmental health issues, and economic success of aquaculture businesses.
Public-private partnerships play a vital role in advancing sustainable domestic aquaculture and increasing food security,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of NOAA Sea Grant. “Industry is working alongside researchers on each of these projects, which will help expand businesses, create new jobs and provide economic benefits to coastal communities.”
All projects include public-private partnerships and will be led by university-based NOAA Sea Grant programs. With each project, every two dollars of federal funding is matched by one dollar of non-federal funds, bringing the total investment in these research projects to more than $13.9 million.
Sea Grant’s investment in aquaculture research, outreach and education programs continues to produce results for coastal communities and their economies. Between February 2016 and January 2017, Sea Grant invested $9 million in aquaculture research, technology transfer, and outreach and reported $90 million in economic impacts, including support of 900 businesses and 1,800 jobs.
NOAA received 126 proposals requesting nearly $58 million in federal funds. A list and short descriptions of the 32 marine aquaculture grant projects is available on the NOAA Sea Grant website.
California Sea Grant receives two grants to support aquaculture research
California Sea Grant has been awarded two new grants to address impediments to aquaculture opportunities, part of National Sea Grant College Program’s $9.3 million in federal funding through its 2017 national strategic investment in aquaculture.
“The growing demand for local, sustainable seafood presents an opportunity to strengthen California’s coastal economy and aquaculture industry. Domestic aquaculture creates local jobs, increases national food security, and lowers our dependence on imported seafood,” said California Sea Grant director Jim Eckman. “These grants allow researchers to examine hurdles and develop novel solutions for our aquaculture farmers.”
Research will be conducted over a three year period and led by university-based research teams. The grants were awarded through two competitive federal funding opportunities to help spur the development and growth of shellfish, finfish, and seaweed aquaculture businesses. The funding leverages all federal dollars two to one with state matching funds.
The two projects coordinated by the California Sea Grant program are as follows:
Solving impediments to the co-culture of seaweeds and shellfish
Scott Hamilton, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
Michael Graham, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
Carrie Pomeroy, California Sea Grant
Carrie Culver, California Sea Grant
Additionally, California Sea Grant Extension will serve as collaborators on two multi-institutional aquaulture projects. CASG Extension Director Lisa Schiavinato is part of a national collaboration to examine legal and permitting impediments to shellfish aquaculture with other attorneys from the National Sea Grant Law Center, Rhode Island Sea Grant Legal Program, Virginia Coastal Policy Center, and University of Georgia. In a project awarded to USC Sea Grant and led by Aquarium of the Pacific, CASG Extension Specialist Paul Olin will help develop educational content addressing public misconceptions about marine aquaculture.
These new research efforts build on previous investments Sea Grant has made to support domestic aquaculture. Between February 2016 and January 2017, Sea Grant invested $9 million in aquaculture research, technology transfer and outreach. As a result, Sea Grant reported $90 million in economic impacts, including support of 900 businesses and 1,800 jobs.
For a full list and short descriptions of all 32 grant projects, visit the NOAA Sea Grant website.
Source: NAA / California Sea Grant
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