Marine aquaculture in the United States is very diverse in the type of species cultivated (finfish, shellfish, and marine plants), cultivation systems utilized, and in differing regulatory issues. Many of these factors can vary greatly by region, impacting the expansion of the industry. Conversely, issues such as initial start‐up, business planning, and navigating the permitting process are similar across all regions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recognizes marine aquaculture as a priority "to meet the growing demand for healthy seafood, to create jobs in coastal communities, and restore vital ecosystems."
Utilizing membership from federal (NOAA‐NMFS, NIFA), regional (Regional Aquaculture Centers), state (Sea Grant, Cooperative Extension System, Land Grant Institutions), and local levels (County Extension Agents), the Marine Aquaculture Community of Practice (CoP) addresses industry needs using a more national approach. With an expertise in marine finfish, shellfish (molluscan and crustacean), marine plants, business planning, policy and regulations, and marketing, the CoP leadership team also provides information to the general public.
By utilizing the tools and services below, the goal of the Marine Aquaculture CoP is to facilitate technology transfer and address emerging issues facing the marine aquaculture industry by providing unbiased, peer-reviewed, research-based information while serving as an online clearinghouse for more general audiences:
FAQs: Questions developed and answered by experts.
Ask the Expert: Visitors can ask a question that will be answered by a specialist.
Campus: Online learning opportunities that teach basic techniques and methods for culturing species and working with culture systems.
Aquaculture Tips (Timely Topics or articles): These are short, concise articles on current issues and management strategies to address key issues
Marine Aquaculture CoP leadership Team:
Anoushka Concepcion, Connecticut Sea Grant and University of Connecticut
Lisa Calvo, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and Rutgers University
Matt Parker, Maryland Sea Grant and University of Maryland
Vanessa Weldon, PhD., Aquaculture Specialist
Michael Chambers, New Hampshire Sea Grant and University of New Hampshire
David Landkamer, Oregon Sea Grant and Oregon State University
Joshua Reitsma, Woods Hole Sea Grant and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
