A marine extension position has existed on Cape Cod in excess of 50 years that has been responsible for a number of marine related topics including aquaculture as it developed. The past 30 years have involved a partnership developed between Cape Cod Cooperative Extension (CCCE) of Barnstable County and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant (WHOISG). As currently defined in a Memorandum of Understanding between Barnstable County and WHOISG, the marine extension programs operate jointly and collaboratively to advance the efforts of marine extension services in the southeastern Massachusetts region.
Shellfish aquaculture has grown rapidly in Massachusetts over this time period and has been the focus of aquaculture extension efforts. The industry focuses on largely oysters and hard clams and now encompasses close to 400 farms and greater than $30 million in farmgate sales value. Extension efforts have focused on education, monitoring, and applied research to assist the growing industry.