Aquaculture encompasses the design of facilities, breeding, husbandry, nurturing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, algae, aquatic plants, and various other organisms across diverse water environments. 

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Asthe demand for seafood rises, advancements in technology have facilitated the cultivation of food in coastal marine waters and the open ocean through aquaculture. This method not only produces food and commercial products but also contributes to habitat restoration, replenishment of wild stocks, and the recovery of threatened and endangered species.

Aquaculture encompasses two main types: marine and freshwater. NRAC, focusing primarily on marine aquaculture though does work in freshwater areas as well. These industries farm species native to inland waters, oceans and estuaries. In the United States, marine aquaculture yields various species such as oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, seaweeds, and finfish like salmon, striped bass, black sea bass, sablefish, yellowtail, and pompano. Cultivation methods range from seeding shellfish on the seafloor to raising them in bottom or floating cages. Marine finfish farming typically occurs in net pens in water or land-based tanks. In contrast, freshwater aquaculture in the U.S. produces species like catfish and trout, tilapia, hybrid striped bass, yellow bass, ornamental fishes, crawfish, and aquatic ornamental plants, mainly in ponds or other artificial systems.

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In the northeastern region of the United States, aquaculture involves deliberate cultivation of aquatic animals and algae in various water bodies, including freshwater, brackish water, and seawater. Beyond large-scale commercial ventures, it plays a crucial role in enhancing wild stocks, conserving endangered species, and supporting subsistence needs. The management and control of growth environments in this region are tailored to meet the specific requirements of different species, showcasing a remarkable diversity compared to traditional terrestrial farming.