Aquaculture Research

aquculture parkFrom overfishing and pollution to warming seas, the oceans face an unprecedented level of threats. With declining wild fish stocks, a human population estimated to reach 10 billion by 2050 and an increasing demand for seafood, aquaculture is the world’s fastest growing food sector—and it’s only going to continue to increase. There has never been a more critical time to find solutions for food needs while preserving the world’s fisheries.

scientist workin on a system"It’s critically important that the U.S. gets good at developing aquaculture in the U.S., and we are going to help with that enormously at Harbor Branch. It’s a part of our strategic plan.” —Jim Sullivan, Ph.D. Executive Director

The strategic priorities in this research focus area are to grow collaborative research in aquaculture production with the USDA-ARS and commercial partners, continue to enhance our technology development to support increased production, including IMTA systems, autonomous monitoring and AI control technologies for use in aquaculture, and to provide innovative aquaculture solutions to support restoration efforts for locally threatened species of seagrasses, clams, corals and fish.

HBOI ocean fish