Marine Aquaculture
Modern cage technology, as seen in this photo, enables an offshore marine
fish aquaculture industry. Photo courtesy of Snapperfarm.
The demand for aquaculture-produced seafood is increasing rapidly due to growing
human populations and food security needs. To meet this demand, the U.S. is increasing
its aquaculture production. Aquaculture activities in the coastal ocean pollute
if poorly sited and managed. Sited properly, shellfish aquaculture can reduce eutrophication
(nutrient) impacts and provide other benefits.
We're working with producers, managers, and other scientists to identify the best
sites and species for aquaculture. We're identifying thresholds for pollution from
marine fish farms, and evaluating the effectiveness of shellfish operations in filtering
nutrients from the water. We're also developing best practices for minimizing the
environmental impacts of cage aquaculture, and designing a system that almost eliminates
waste by recirculating water.