AQUACULTURE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND OUTREACH AT DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Despite ongoing research and extension efforts, aquaculture in DE is currently limited in terms of the number of commercial producers, with the industry historically being dominated by finfish production (e.g. tilapia, striped bass, hybrid striped bass).  In 2013, then-Governor Jack Markell signed legislation to allow leasing of subaqueous lands in the DE Inland Bays for shellfish aquaculture.  This represented a significant opportunity to expand DE’s aquaculture industry, and also poses a challenge as there is a new/expanded demand for technical assistance, education, and outreach.

The Delaware State University (DSU) Aquaculture Technical Assistance and Outreach Program was developed with a mission of fostering the creation of an aquaculture industry in DE.  The Program’s goals are to identify suitable aquaculture species for use in the mid-Atlantic region and identify low-input methods to raise them profitably so that as industry grows it is economically and environmentally sustainable.  Implementation has followed three avenues:

1. Conduct applied research investigating the suitability of aquaculture species and culture techniques for use in the region,
2. Disseminate information to all interested parties about aquaculture species and technologies through workshops, one-on-one farm visits and fact sheets, and
3. Demonstrate various aquaculture production methods and techniques at the DSU Aquaculture Research and Demonstration Facility (ARDF).

Since its inception in 2004, DSU’s Aquaculture Technical Assistance and Outreach program has become a preeminent source of aquaculture information in DE, which, until recently, was focused primarily on freshwater finfish production.  Our existing infrastructure - namely the DSU ARDF - serves as a laboratory, classroom, and demonstration farm site where we conduct research, teaching and extension programming.  With recent grant funding, we are expanding the reach and scope of our program to include a shellfish aquaculture demonstration farm in the DE Inland Bays.  Once established, this will allow a space to conduct shellfish-focused extension, teaching and research projects.  Currently, no such experimental or demonstration farm exists within DE waters, inhibiting the confident growth of our shellfish aquaculture industry by farmers that lack the experiential knowledge to grow oysters.  Providing such a facility, and unique learning opportunities, will help potential shellfish farmers transition to proficient aquaculturist and lessen their economic uncertainty.