NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL AQUACULTURE CENTER
CONNECTICUT DELAWARE MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND VERMONT WASHINGTON D.C. WEST VIRGINIA
The Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center (NRAC), headquartered at University of Maryland, College Park, is one of five Regional Aquaculture Centers
established by the United States Congress.
Funded by theU.S. Department of Agriculture at an annual level of approximately $900,000 annually with approximately $700,000 used for project development and education. NRAC represents 12 states and the District of Columbia and develops and sponsors cooperative regional research and Extension projects in support of the aquaculture industry in the northeastern United States.
A Board of Directors representing the region's aquaculture industries, academic institutions and government agencies, provides overall direction and management of NRAC.
Research and extension priorities are established by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). The Technical Advisory Committee includes key aquaculture researchers and Extension agents in the region, while the Industry Advisory Committee represents principal commercial aquaculture interests in the Northeast.
An administration team comprised of the NRAC Director and NRAC Coordinatoro ensure that the Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center operates effectively and efficiently.
OUR MISSION
NRAC empowers Northeastern aquaculture through cutting-edge science and collaborative partnerships, driving sustainable growth and innovation for a thriving industry and healthier environment.
NRAC is a principal public forum for discovering and disseminating science and technology needed by northeastern aquaculture producers and support industries. NRAC facilitates regional stakeholder communications by linking industry and government representatives to scientists and educators and by stimulating regional research and Extension, education, and outreach initiatives. NRAC focuses on science and education that will directly impact attaining long-term public benefits through enhanced aquaculture development in the region. NRAC-sponsored projects emphasize science and education to stimulate industry growth, as measured in size, numbers and economic vitality of aquaculture enterprises, through the development and dissemination of profitable and environmentally-responsible technologies.
OUR VISION
NRAC envisions a future where Northeastern aquaculture stands as a global beacon of innovation, sustainability, and economic vitality, fostering collaboration and advancing technologies to propel the industry's growth while preserving our precious aquatic ecosystems for generations to come.
The generation and extension of new knowledge through NRAC research and Extension to industry, state agencies, and the public will play a significant role in expanding and diversifying a northeastern aquaculture industry, which will grow by using advanced production and processing technologies to compete in the global marketplace. NRAC will aid the industry in becoming economically viable and environmentally sustainable, helping aquaculture to become a significant component of Northeast agriculture and an essential complement to wild-capture fisheries. NRAC will catalyze the economic development of an industry that comprises open and closed, fresh and saltwater systems producing a wide array of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms supported by progressive public and private research and development.
STRUCTURE & ORGANIZATION
The Board of Directors of the Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center holds the responsibility of
shaping policy, overseeing management, determining funding priorities, and supporting both new and ongoing aquaculture research and Extension endeavors.
This board, which includes fifteen voting members, includes representatives from the twelve participating universities across NRAC states as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, alongside members from the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) and Directors of Northeastern Cooperative Extension and Experiment Stations. In addition to its voting members, the Board receives guidance from the Industry Advisory Council (IC), Technical Committee (TC), industry/non-LGU representatives, and representatives from NIFA, ensuring a comprehensive and informed approach to decision-making.
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What is Aquaculture?
Aquaculture encompasses the controlled cultivation of aquatic animals and algae across diverse environments such as fresh water, brackish water, and seawater. While commonly associated with large-scale commercial operations aimed at meeting consumption demands, its significance extends beyond mere production. Aquaculture is pivotal in bolstering wild populations, conserving endangered species, supporting subsistence livelihoods, and facilitating the cultivation of baitfish and ornamental varieties.
A defining aspect of aquaculture lies in its meticulous management and regulation of growth environments, a practice tailored to the specific requirements of different species, life stages, and objectives. Unlike traditional terrestrial farming, aquaculture stands out for its remarkable diversity of species utilized. Globally, over 400 species are cultivated, reflecting the breadth and adaptability of this industry.
What Are the Benefits of Aquaculture?
Aquaculture supplies over half of the seafood consumed worldwide by humans. The growing appetite for seafood has spurred technological advancements, facilitating the cultivation of organisms in diverse water bodies, including ponds, rivers, estuaries, nearshore areas, and offshore environments.
