NOAA launches US$13.5M aquaculture institute to expand domestic seafood production

USA – The United States is increasing investment in domestic seafood production following the launch of a new aquaculture research institute backed by approximately US$13.5 million in funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Announced on June 8, 2026, the Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM) will be led by the University of New Hampshire and operate as a five-year programme focused on advancing marine aquaculture across the country.

The initiative is intended to support the development of new technologies, research capabilities, and market opportunities to increase the production of farmed seafood in the United States.

NOAA said the institute will help address the country’s dependence on imported seafood while supporting environmentally responsible aquaculture practices and economic activity in coastal communities.

CIFARM brings together a network of universities, research organisations, and Sea Grant programmes from across the United States to contribute expertise in aquaculture science and industry development.

Participating institutions include the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Hawaii, the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, and several Sea Grant programmes.

Strategic Importance

Researchers involved in the programme will focus on areas such as production technology, aquatic animal health, genetics, environmental monitoring, and the economic factors affecting seafood production and marketing.

Among the priorities identified by the institute are the development of advanced aquaculture systems, including technologies that incorporate artificial intelligence to improve production efficiency.

The programme will also examine methods to improve the health and genetic performance of aquatic species while supporting management practices that reduce environmental impacts.

In addition, CIFARM plans to support initiatives designed to expand market opportunities and encourage greater consumer demand for seafood produced within the United States.

Projects undertaken through the institute are expected to address challenges facing aquaculture operations, including disease management, climate-related risks, production costs, and supply chain resilience.

NOAA described the funding as the largest single investment in aquaculture made by the agency, reflecting growing interest in expanding domestic seafood production capacity.

The agency said the programme is expected to encourage collaboration between researchers, industry participants, and policymakers to support innovation and improve the competitiveness of the US aquaculture sector.

The launch comes as global seafood demand continues to rise, prompting efforts to increase domestic production while maintaining environmental safeguards and reducing pressure on wild fish stocks.

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