Regional Aquaculture Hubs
Southern New England Shellfish Aquaculture Hub
Promoting the growth of Southern New England shellfish aquaculture with new science-based tools and information to engage the public, press and decision makers about the social, economic and environmental effects of the industry. The project, supported by $1.2 million in federal funding, will also expand entry-level training for prospective shellfish growers and for those who make decisions about aquaculture permits. Public concerns about aquaculture will be addressed.
Seaweed Hub
Sea Grant’s National Seaweed Hub serves as a science-based, non-advocate resource for the domestic seaweed and seaweed aquaculture industry. This collaboration provides a framework to share information, address challenges, identify needs, and find opportunities in this emerging industry.
The first goal is to establish a baseline evaluation on current needs and challenges for all seaweed stakeholders through a formal needs assessment that will inform the creation of work groups to address identified needs and challenges.
The second goal is to bring seaweed stakeholders from across the country to work together to find a path forward in addressing challenges, finding solutions to needs, and pursuing opportunities for growth. This will be accomplished through participation in the first National Seaweed Symposium and continue in Virtual Work Groups.
Hard Clam Selective Breeding Collaborative
The National Sea Grant Hard Clam Selective Breeding Collaborative is a three-year project funded under 2019's National Sea Grant Advanced Aquaculture Collaborative Programs. This project is the first step to establishing a regional aquaculture hub using advanced genomic technology to conduct selective breeding for hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) to benefit the aquaculture industry throughout the Atlantic Coast.