NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL AQUACULTURE CENTER
CONNECTICUT DELAWARE MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND VERMONT WASHINGTON D.C. WEST VIRGINIA
WHAT IS EXTENSION?
“All universities engage in research and teaching, but the nation’s more than 100 land-grant colleges and universities have a third, critical mission — Extension. Through extension, land-grant colleges and universities bring vital, practical information to agricultural producers, small business owners, consumers, families, and young people.”
– USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Photo courtesy of UMaine Extension: Joey Conroy
In collaboration with the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the Cooperative Extension System acts as a vital link between a state's Land Grant University and its populace, transforming research into practical education and action. With its extensive reach spanning every county nationwide, Extension channels groundbreaking discoveries from research labs to individuals, communities, and businesses, empowering them to enhance their livelihoods.
Cooperative Extension empowers both rural and urban communities, regardless of size, to confront challenges, embrace evolving technology, enhance nutrition and food safety, prepare for emergencies, and safeguard the environment.
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Specifically, as it relates to aquaculture, Extension agents serve as the vital link between university resources and expertise with industry professionals and local communities. Collaborating closely with industry specialists, community leaders, and research scientists, they facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources to meet the needs of communities and user groups. Their roles encompass various tasks, including conducting applied research, gathering and disseminating information through various channels such as pamphlets, courses, workshops, and meetings, providing technical reviews, and advocating for new research to address identified needs.
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In essence, these specialists simplify complex information and demonstrate its practical application in problem-solving. Extension agents specialize in specific areas such as fisheries management improvement, seafood safety enhancement, fishing gear innovation, sustainable aquaculture development, pollution reduction, habitat restoration, and other topics crucial for advancing the safety and productivity of coastal-related industries.
OUR IMPACT
Since its inception in 1986, the Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center has significantly impacted the advancement of U.S. aquaculture technology, education and outreach. Some of the Extension's recent research, education and outreach accomplishments are highlighted below.
At UMD’s Aquaponics Lab, the Farmers Have Fins
New Greenhouse Will Triple Research, Education of Sustainable Farming
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Larger Fish Fillets Connected to Gut Microbiome
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Grad Student Transplants Gut Bacteria to Increase Aquaculture Yields
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NOAA Sea Grant Develops 5-Year Aquaculture Investment Plan
This five-year investment plan was developed to allow for consistent, reliable and recurring aquaculture funding opportunities.
Bolstering Fish and Dairy Consumption in the Granite State
UNH research studies tailored nutritional education that also benefits regional food industries
Bringing Oysters Back to NH’s Great Bay
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COLSA research team leads the charge on regional efforts to restore native oyster reefs in New Hampshire​​
Extension's impact resonates across every corner of the Northeast, aiding fisherpeople, producers, and families in maximizing profits and securing their future.
With economic development at its core, Extension fosters direct links between university science and local communities, nurturing physical, emotional, and financial well-being.This influence manifests in myriad ways, benefiting hundreds of families and businesses, spanning from urban centers to farms and ranches scattered throughout the region. While some impact stems directly from Extension's programming expenditures, the most significant effects emerge indirectly through extensive research, collaborations, and educational initiatives led by faculty members and staff across all counties and tribal nations.
Every dollar invested in Extension sets off a ripple effect, leading to increased yields, enhanced wages, improved health outcomes, and numerous other economic advantages.
For over a century, Cooperative Extension agents across all of our northeaster Land-grant universities have equipped farmers, fisherpeople, and producers with the knowledge vital for success and survival.
As we progress further into the 21st century, Extension continues to lay the groundwork for sustaining this economic impact for generations to come.
COLLABORATIONS & RESOURCES
Encountering challenges on your farm that require expert resolution?
Contemplating the integration of new technologies but need support?
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We recommend reaching out to your nearby extension agent or specialist. They possess the expertise and resources to assist you in addressing farm-related issues and navigating the adoption of innovative solutions.
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EXTENSION AQUACULTURE RESOURCES:
University of Maryland Aquaculture
Penn State Introduction to Aquaculture
https://extension.psu.edu/introduction-to-aquaculture
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UConn SeaGrant Aquaculture Resources
https://seagrant.uconn.edu/publications/aquaculture/
UNH Sea Grant
https://seagrant.unh.edu/our-work/aquaculture
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URI Aquaculture Extension
https://web.uri.edu/coopext/programs/food-systems/aquaculture/
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EXTENSION AQUACULTURE EXPERTS:
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REGIONAL EXPERTS:
Zachary Gordon - NOAA Fisheries Milford Lab/CT Sea Grant, Regional Aquaculture Liaison
Kevin Madley - NOAA Fisheries, GARFO - Regional Aquaculture Coordinator - Aquaculture permitting
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CONNECTICUT:
Tessa Getchis - Senior Extension Educator - Aquaculture
Michael Gilman - Assistant Extension Educator - Aquacultur
Anoushka Concepcion - Associate Extension Educator - Seaweed
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DELAWARE:
Dennis McIntosh - Delaware State University - Professor and Extension Specialist - Aquaculture​
Edward Hale - Delaware Sea Grant - Fisheries and Aquaculture
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MAINE:
Dana Morse - Senior Extension Program Manager, Aquaculture Lea
Annie Fagan - Marine Extension Associate
Jaclyn Robidoux - Marine Extension Associate, Seaweed
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MARYLAND:
Allen Pattillo - University of Maryland Extension - Shellfish Aquaculture Technology Specialist
Catherine Frederick- University of Maryland Extension - RAS-N Extension Specialist
Annie Schatz - Maryland Sea Grant - Aquaculture Projects Coordinator
Chengchu (Cathy) Liu - University of Maryland Extension - Seafood Technology Specialist
Matt Parker - University of Maryland Extension - Aquaculture Business Specialist
Donald Webster - University of Maryland Extension - Regional Specialist
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MASSACHUSETTS:
Joshua Reitsma - Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist
Abigail Archer - Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist
Rachel Hutchinson - Marine Resource Specialist
Danny Badger - Marine Extension Specialist - Aquaculture
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NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Micheal Chambers - Research Associate Professor, Aquaculture Extension Specialist
Gabriela Bradt - Aquaculture and Fisheries Extension Specialist
Linas Kenter - Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Scientist
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NEW JERSEY:
Michael Acquafredda - Aquaculture Specialist, Rutgers, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Douglas Zemeckis - Marine Extension Specialist - Rutgers Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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NEW YORK:
Barry Udelson - NY Sea Grant - Aquaculture Specialist
Michael Ciarramella - NY Sea Grant - Seafood Specialist
Antoinette Clemetson - NY Sea Grant - Marine Fisheries Specialist
Gregg Rivara - Cornell Cooperative Extension - Aquaculture Specialist
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PENNSYLVANIA:
​Vacant
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RHODE ISLAND:
Azure Dee Cygler - University of Rhode Island, Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist
Robbie Hudson - University of Rhode Island, Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist
Hisham A. Abdelrahman - Roger Williams University, Assistant Professor of Marine Biology - Aquaculture Extension Specialist
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VERMONT:
John Brawley - Aquaculture Outreach Specialist​
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WEST VIRGINIA:
Vacant
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FARMER & PUBLIC OUTREACH
NRAC is committed to supporting aquaculture farmers and recognizing their pivotal role in the food production chain. Our organization funds research and development initiatives to enhance the industry and streamline farmers' operations.
Through collaborations with sponsored researchers and extension agents dedicated to farmer assistance, NRAC facilitates workshops and informational sessions across the northeastern United States. Moreover, our researchers actively engage with farmers, providing hands-on support in technology transfer, data collection, disease management, and various other aspects.
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Useful Resources for Aquaculture Farmers
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Find manuals, fact sheets, annual reports and articles in the PUBLICATIONS section.​
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If you are looking for information on research topics or publications you cannot find on our website, contact Sharon Adams, Administrator for NRAC, for assistance with a literature search
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You may also be interested in learning more about current and past projects and reading their accompanying reports, which may contain information applicable to your business. View all PROJECTS.
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