Direct Support for Hawaii Aquaculture

Hawaii is recognized as a leading state in providing a comprehensive package of public support for aquafarmers. State agencies, elements of the University of Hawaii System and the private, non-profit Oceanic Institute form a network with the State Aquaculture Development Program to support expansion and diversification of the industry.

University of Hawaii (UH)

The nine campuses of the University of Hawaii System provide important expertise and infrastructure for aquaculture development in the State. Facilities at the University's Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology on Oahu provide a cutting edge research and training capabilities in biotechnology and aquaculture. The University of Hawaii is also premier research institution in the Pacific and a Land Grant and Sea Grant University, with strong programmatic ties throughout the Asian Pacific Basin. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available in a variety of disciplines, and marine sciences and aquaculture have been targeted as areas of excellence to be pursued. Currently, a MS/Ph.D. program in tropical aquaculture is being put in place on Oahu and the Hilo, Hawaii campus has a proven undergraduate degree in aquaculture.

Sea Grant Extension assists the industry through hands-on workshop.

University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program

The Sea Grant College Program, through a network of three Ph.D. level aquaculture extension agents, offers "hands-on" extension assistance throughout the State. The aquaculture extension agents are partially funded by the Aquaculture Development Program, in cooperation with the Sea Grant College Program and other sources. The Sea Grant Program also funds innovative aquaculture research every year, usually in partnership with the State. Faculty in a variety of disciplines can submit proposals for consideration.

Department of Agriculture (DOA)

The DOA houses the Aquaculture Development Program. The DOA also offers financial assistance to Hawaii's aquafarms through the Aquaculture Revolving Loan Program. The Aquaculture Loan Program offers below market interest rates to qualified applicants through direct loans or by participating in private bank and/or federal agency loans.

Anuenue Fishery Research Center (AFRC), Department of Land and Natural Resources

AFRC pioneered freshwater prawn culture in Hawaii during the mid-1960's and has supported the aquaculture industry periodically by providing prawn post-larvae for farm stockings, management training, and species research.

The aquaculture disease and health management team is housed here at AFRC. They provide much needed veterinarian services and advice to farmers. Staff technicians at two other locations on Oahu help with various tissue preparations, viral detection tests, field visits, and sample collections. Limited diagnostic assistance occurs at an international level by prior arrangement.

The Oceanic Institute (OI)

OI is a private, non-profit research organization that promotes sustainability of the ocean environment and addresses the issue of global food shortages through applied aquaculture and biotechnology. OI has outstanding facilities on Oahu and several other islands and is recognized as one of the leading institutions in the world in developing aquaculture technologies. The Institute receives funding from federal, state, foundation and corporate sources and while global in mission, strives to assist Hawaii farmers to expand and diversify.

Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA)

Back to top