StriperHub, coordinated by North Carolina Sea Grant, is part of a national initiative to streamline and expand striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and hybrid striped bass (M. saxatilis x M. chrysops) aquaculture in the US. It brings together Sea Grant programs across several states, industry partners, government agencies (NOAA, USDA), policymakers, and academic experts. The goal is to reduce the US seafood trade deficit, as over 80% of seafood consumed in the US is imported, contributing to an $18 billion annual deficit. StriperHub aims to develop striped bass as a viable aquaculture species and enhance hybrid striped bass farming to strengthen domestic seafood production and boost coastal and rural economies.
The initiative focuses on several key areas, including defining markets and production economics for striped bass, providing education and training programs, and clarifying regulatory and licensing procedures. Additionally, StriperHub seeks to increase visibility and outreach among potential producers and consumers, especially along the Eastern US Coast. As the aquaculture industry grows, StriperHub plans to bring in more partners from academia, government, and the private sector to expand operations nationwide.
Specific goals include improving seed stock production and distribution, refining economic parameters for striped bass aquaculture, developing marketing and business models, and enhancing communication and training efforts. Current efforts include optimizing broodstock and seedstock production, testing cost-saving feeding strategies, and synchronizing spawning for better seedstock yields. StriperHub also aims to expand the number of domestic striped bass producers to ensure steady commercial production. The F8 generation domestic striped bass were produced for the first time in 2024.