The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is spearheading an unprecedented national initiative to revolutionize the American seafood industry through cutting-edge advances in aquaculture research and development. Selected as the lead institution for the newly formed NOAA Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM), UNH stands at the forefront of a strategic effort to enhance domestic seafood production’s safety, sustainability, and economic viability. This program is equipped with an initial $13.5 million in funding and is poised to bridge academic innovation with real-world challenges to significantly reduce reliance on imported seafood.
UNH’s leadership in aquaculture innovation is built upon a robust foundation of over a decade of research excellence and a suite of world-class marine infrastructure. The university’s AquaFort offshore aquaculture research and training platform is a prime example of their pioneering efforts; here, an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture system cultivates steelhead trout alongside sugar kelp and mussels. This symbiotic approach leverages nutrient extraction from fish waste by the kelp and mussels, minimizing environmental impact while optimizing growth conditions. Such integrated systems represent the cutting edge of sustainable aquaculture practices aimed at reducing ecological footprints.
The NOAA Cooperative Institute CIFARM is designed as a five-year collaborative enterprise, uniting a broad network of academic partners including New Hampshire Sea Grant, University of Miami, Florida Sea Grant, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, California Sea Grant, University of Hawaii, and Hawaii Sea Grant. This consortium enables a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise from fisheries science, marine biology, oceanography, and environmental engineering to address complex challenges faced by the seafood industry in the U.S.
Central to CIFARM’s mission is the deployment of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance operational efficiencies in fish farming and wider aquaculture practices. By optimizing feeding schedules, monitoring water quality, and predicting disease outbreaks through data-driven modeling, the initiative aims to deliver safer and more cost-effective seafood production solutions. These advancements promise to elevate industry standards and ensure reliable access to high-quality seafood for consumers nationwide.
CIFARM also emphasizes the importance of offshore aquaculture systems, which hold the potential to diversify production sites and lessen the ecological pressures on coastal environments. Offshore platforms like UNH’s AquaFort provide critical data on system performance under dynamic ocean conditions, helping optimize designs that balance yield with environmental stewardship. Advanced oceanographic studies, including wave tank testing and estuarine research, form integral components of this work, enabling scientists to better predict and mitigate environmental risks.
The program’s holistic approach extends beyond technology development to include comprehensive market analysis aimed at expanding seafood markets and enhancing supply chain resilience. By studying consumer trends, market frameworks, and regulatory landscapes, CIFARM seeks to build robust economic models that support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture growth while creating employment opportunities in coastal communities. This integrated strategy positions aquaculture as a critical contributor to a more resilient and diversified American food system.
David Fredriksson, director of UNH’s Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems, articulates the vision driving this initiative: to develop regionally adapted, environmentally sound aquaculture practices that engage local communities and foster economic vitality. He stresses the need for tailored solutions that accommodate diverse ecosystems and cultural contexts across the U.S., ensuring that seafood production advances hand-in-hand with responsible marine resource management and educational outreach.
NOAA’s embrace of aquaculture as a vital complement to traditional fisheries marks a significant policy evolution aimed at bolstering domestic food security amid rising global demand. This cooperative effort underscores a national commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the seafood sector. Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA administrator, highlights the agency’s enthusiasm for collaborating with CIFARM partners in unlocking the full potential of aquaculture for the American public.
Currently, U.S. consumers spend over $24 billion annually on seafood, with nearly half sourced from overseas. CIFARM’s focus on increasing domestic production serves not only to reduce this dependence but also to offer consumers greater transparency and confidence in the origin and sustainability of their seafood. By advancing environmentally responsible farming practices and optimizing supply chains, the initiative aims to put fresh, nutritious seafood on more American tables while safeguarding ocean health.
UNH’s research capabilities underpinning CIFARM include a suite of specialized marine facilities. These range from state-of-the-art ocean engineering test tanks and wave tanks to the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex and pier located in Portsmouth Harbor. Complementing these are estuarine laboratories situated on Great Bay and a fleet of research vessels, including the 50-foot R/V Gulf Challenger. Collectively, these resources provide vital infrastructure for advancing aquaculture science and technology through empirical research and hands-on training.
By integrating scientific research with practical applications, CIFARM represents a milestone in establishing US aquaculture as a globally competitive, ecologically sustainable, and economically vibrant industry. It exemplifies a systemic approach to seafood production that melds technological innovation, ecosystem-based management, and community engagement—fostering resilience and growth across multiple scales from shoreline to plate.
This initiative is poised to transform aquaculture into a cornerstone of America’s sustainable food system, delivering ecological, economic, and social benefits that extend well beyond the marine environment. Through its pioneering research and partnerships, UNH and NOAA are charting a course for a future where responsibly farmed seafood meets increasing consumer demand while preserving the health of marine ecosystems for generations to come.
Subject of Research: Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystem Management
Article Title: University of New Hampshire Leads National Effort to Transform U.S. Aquaculture through CIFARM
News Publication Date: June 8, 2026
Web References:
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-strengthens-commitment-to-aquaculture-through-new-cooperative-institute
Image Credits: Credit: UNH/NHSG
Keywords: Aquaculture, Sustainable Seafood, NOAA Cooperative Institute, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, Steelhead Trout Farming, Marine Ecosystems, Offshore Aquaculture, Artificial Intelligence in Aquaculture, Seafood Supply Chain, Coastal Community Development, Marine Research Infrastructure, Fisheries Management
