University-affiliated shellfish aquaculture research farms are essential for advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, fostering education, and enabling collaborative innovation. The Shellfish Program at the Center for Economic and Environmental Development (CEED) at Roger Williams University (RWU) offers an integrated system encompassing all three phases of shellfish aquaculture: hatchery, nursery, and grow-out. These facilities form a cornerstone for academic research, industry engagement, and public outreach, with a focus on bivalve species native to Rhode Island waters.
The Luther H. Blount Shellfish Hatchery serves as the program’s foundation, producing eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria), and bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) seed for restoration programs such as the Town of Warren Oyster Enhancement Program and the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association (RISA) Upweller. The hatchery is also an educational resource, offering the Shellfish Hatchery Practicum, a hands-on training opportunity providing RWU students with 100 hours of practical experience in hatchery operations.
The shellfish nursery, featuring an advanced outdoor upweller system, supports research initiatives and offers resources for local oyster farmers within the same biosecurity zone to grow seed to planting size. This system facilitates collaboration between academia and industry while advancing aquaculture sustainability goals.
The FerryCliffe Shellfish Farm, a recently expanded 1.7-acre research and educational site in Mount Hope Bay, accommodates a variety of species, including oysters, clams, scallops, and kelp. This farm employs diverse grow-out gear and enables students to gain practical experience while conducting research and collaborating with innovative companies to test new products and technologies in real-world conditions. Shellfish produced at the farm are donated to university and community events, emphasizing the program’s commitment to outreach and service.
The Shellfish Program is further complemented by the Applied Shellfish Farming Course, a 12-week comprehensive training program taught by RWU faculty and expert guest speakers. This course equips participants with the technical knowledge required to manage or establish a shellfish farming enterprise, covering topics from broodstock to market. Together, these facilities and programs not only enhance RWU’s capacity for education and research but also position CEED as a critical extension resource for the aquaculture industry. RWU welcomes collaborations with universities, stakeholders, and government agencies to advance shellfish aquaculture research, education, and outreach in the region.