Aquaculture

The Aquaculture topic area funds research projects with the overall goal of leading to improved production efficiency and increased competitiveness of private sector, commercial aquaculture in the United States. This topic area aims to develop new technologies that will enhance the knowledge and technology base necessary for the expansion of the domestic aquaculture industry. Aquaculture increasingly is an important source of healthy animal protein and a valuable contributor to national and regional food security. Studies on commercially important species of finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, reptiles (i.e., farmed alligators), and aquatic plants (e.g., seaweeds, sea grasses, and macroalgae) from both freshwater and marine environments are included. In this context, new technologies are needed to improve production efficiency, protect aquaculture species against disease, and ensure the quality of aquatic products.