The University System of Maryland, through its multiple institutions, has been engaged in aquaculture research and extension education for over fifty years. This has included shellfish, finfish and aquatic plant species raised in a variety of production systems including open ponds, net pens, recirculating systems, hatcheries, setting operations and field growout. Extension faculty created programs through needs assessments and
continually adapted them to develop profitable commercial businesses, as well as participating in analysis of legislative and regulatory constraints and aiding in developing policies to enhance the industry. The area with the most recent growth has been oyster aquaculture, where it has grown from a nearly non-existent industry to one with harvest products valued at over $6 million dollars in 2021. Most of the growth has taken place since the revision of shellfish leasing laws in 2009. This presentation will cover the past history of aquaculture programs, current staff and projects, as well as ideas that will aid in guiding expansion of the industry in Maryland and the US.