Aquaculture FAQ - How can I learn more about aquaculture in Delaware?

Aquaculture, the husbandry or controlled cultivation of aquatic plants and animals, is a growing science and industry in the United States and around the world. Delaware Sea Grant serves as a major source for information on all aspects of aquaculture, fisheries, and water quality in Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region.

The Aquaculture Resource Center, established at the University of Delaware's Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes in 1992 with a small grant from the Delaware Department of Agriculture, is operated as part of the Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service. The Center maintains a "gray literature" library collection of more than 1,500 aquaculture publications consisting of technical literature, videos, and other valuable reference materials. It also provides access to local, regional, national and international sources of aquaculture information via the Resource Center Home Page. The center's web site receives over 250,000 visits annually and is part of the Sea Grant National Aquaculture Information System.

Delaware's proximity to northeast markets plus its established agricultural and transport infrastructure for production, processing, and product distribution offer significant potential for aquaculture to contribute to Delaware's future economic growth. Successful operation of an aquaculture business requires the integration of specialized technical (animal husbandry, system design, and management) and business (planning, finance, and marketing)skills. A producer of aquatic products must also comply with state regulatory and environmental policies. Current and prospective aquaculturists must have access to up-to-date, accurate information and training.

AquaPrimer is a compilation of introductory information on aquaculture covering topics such as business planning, marketing, species, production technologies, facility design, water sources and quality, diseases and husbandry, other Internet resources, and education/training.

The Delaware Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report is part of a series developed for the twelve states within the northeast region that summarizes industry trends and prospects along with emerging issues and critical needs affecting industry sustainability. Other sections of the report include a list of commercial species, research, extension, education and state agency descriptions and contact information and other relevant online resources.