 Grant Funds Available for Regional Aquaculture Pilot Projects
As
part of our efforts to foster responsible aquaculture and seafood security in
the U.S. NOAA Fisheries has provided $1.5 million to support aquaculture pilot
projects through the nation’s Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions. These
competitive grants will be managed through the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific
States Marine Fisheries Commissions.
Each
Commission is making $450,000 available to expand U.S. seafood farming
operations and production. Through these pilot projects, emphasis is being
placed on promising but less commercially developed technologies for finfish,
shellfish, seaweed, and other relative newcomers to the domestic aquaculture
industry. The programs also emphasize the development and deployment of
economically and environmentally sustainable aquatic farming techniques and
business practices.
The deadline
for proposals is February 1, 2018. Information on eligibility and specific
application requirements for each region can be found on Commission websites.
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission: Marine Aquaculture Pilot Projects
Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission:
Marine Aquaculture Pilot Projects
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission: Marine
Aquaculture Pilot Projects
 NCCOS Supports Development of Alaska Mariculture Siting Tool
NCCOS provided technical support to coastal managers and a team of Alaska scientists who are developing the Alaska Mariculture Map, a planning tool that will inform mariculture expansion in Alaska. The support included an evaluation of the types, sources, and relevance of various spatial data for aquaculture and an overview of best practices for the design of state-level mariculture spatial planning tools.
Sea Grant Seeks Proposals for Aquaculture Research
The NOAA National Sea Grant College Program 2018 Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes National Aquaculture Initiative federal funding opportunity is now open.
Depending on appropriations, NOAA National Sea Grant College Program (NOAA Sea Grant) expects to have available a total of $7,000,000 to $11,500,000 across fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020 as part of the Sea Grant National Aquaculture Initiative (NAI). As part of the NAI, this competition is designed to foster the expansion of a sustainable U.S. ocean, coastal and Great Lakes aquaculture sector by addressing one or more of the following priorities:
- (a) supporting the development of emerging systems or technologies that will advance aquaculture in the U.S., including projects that will help stimulate aquaculture production by nascent industries;
- (b) developing and implementing actionable methods of communicating accurate, science based messages and information about the benefits and risks of U.S. marine aquaculture to the public; and
- (c) increasing the resiliency of aquaculture systems to natural hazards and changing conditions.
Complete proposals are due from eligible parties to Sea Grant programs on March 2, 2018 at 5 p.m. local time.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to their Sea Grant Program one to two months prior to the Sea Grant program application deadline to receive guidance regarding proposal development and discuss their proposed project(s).
Proposals from Sea Grant programs are due in grants.gov by March 30, 2018.
Japan Natural Resources (UJNR)
Aquaculture Panel Proceedings Available
Through the long history of UJNR, the Aquaculture Panel has contributed to
the development of aquaculture in both countries by means of various
cooperative activities, including the exchange of scientists, the exchange of
literature and the promotion of joint research projects. The following proceedings
of the United States - Japan Natural Resources (UJNR) Aquaculture Panel
Symposium have been published and can be accessed at the following link:
- 41st in
Sapporo, Japan (2013)
- 42nd
in La Jolla (2014)
- 43rd in
Nagasaki, Japan (2015)
 Ribbed Mussels Could Help Improve Urban Water Quality
Ribbed mussels can remove nitrogen and other excess nutrients from an urban
estuary and could help improve water quality in other urban and coastal
locations, according to a study in New York City’s Bronx River. The
findings, published in Environmental Science and Technology, are part
of long-term efforts to improve water quality in the Bronx River Estuary. Read more from the study here.
Washington Eelgrass and Shellfish Aquaculture Workshop Report
Earlier this year, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service West Coast
Region convened over 70 scientists and agency, tribal, and shellfish industry
representatives for an all-day workshop to discuss inconsistencies and
challenges related to the management of native eelgrass (Zostera marina) and
shellfish aquaculture in Washington. The workshop provided an educational and
networking opportunity for its many participants. It also set the stage for
future, longer-term efforts to address the challenges discussed. Review the report here.
NCCOS Helps Maryland Sea Grant Address Aquaculture Industry Concerns
NCCOS scientists, Suzanne Bricker and Amy Freitag, participated as facilitators in a Maryland Sea Grant Aquaculture Researcher Roundtable meeting at the University of Maryland, College Park to develop research ideas and potential projects to support development of sustainable aquaculture. Read more here.
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