The University of New Hampshire has been selected as the host institution for a new program under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration called the Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM) to expand NOAA’s impact and strengthen efforts to boost American seafood competitiveness.
After a highly competitive application process, this new 5-year cooperative institute will harness partnerships with cutting-edge researchers to advance American marine aquaculture. Approximately $13.5 million will be available this year for projects following the establishment of CIFARM.
“The United States is finally recognizing aquaculture as a vital complement to our world-class fisheries,” said NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs. “We look forward to collaborating with these exemplary partners to continue to unlock the potential of this industry in the United States.”
CIFARM researchers will investigate solutions that can be leveraged for industry advancement, such as marine aquaculture demonstration projects; engineering and technology development; artificial intelligence for aquaculture; environmental observations and forecasting; risk management and vulnerability analysis; and seafood markets research.
These research priorities will also magnify scientific advancement through education, outreach, and engagement.
“We are excited to partner with NOAA on this first-of-its kind cooperative institute to advance American aquaculture,” said UNH President Elizabeth Chilton. “By leveraging our coalition’s scientific excellence and regional expertise, we are poised to make great strides for the aquaculture industry.”
UNH has partnered with a diverse suite of outstanding academic, industry, and non-governmental organization partners, including New Hampshire Sea Grant, the University of Miami, Florida Sea Grant, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, California Sea Grant, University of Hawaii, and Hawaii Sea Grant.
“By investing in aquaculture research and markets, NOAA Fisheries continues its commitment to improving sustainable American fisheries through science-based management,” said Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “We are proud to empower the industry to produce more seafood for American plates.”
Americans eat $24.2 billion in imported seafood each year, about half of which is estimated to be farmed in other countries. Aquaculture creates jobs, uplifts coastal economies and complements wild-capture fisheries, while providing healthy and sustainable seafood to American families and bolstering domestic food security.
Congress directed the establishment of a new cooperative institute advancing U.S. marine aquaculture development in its fiscal year 2024 appropriations. By providing scientific solutions for the aquaculture industry, NOAA’s effort also helps fulfill the 2020 Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth and supports President Donald Trump’s 2025 Executive Order Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.
NOAA Aquaculture Program’s mission is to provide science, services, and policies that create conditions for opportunity and growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture. This long-term collaborative partnership will promote research, education, training, and outreach aligned with this mission.
