SMAST Seminar - DFO "Novel Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture Projects in the Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, and the Northern Mariana Islands" by Michael Chambers

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Seminar Announcement

Department of Fisheries Oceanography

"Novel Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture Projects in the Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, and the Northern Mariana Islands"

Michael Chambers
Associate Research Professor, University of New Hampshire

Wednesday, April 29, 2026
3:00 - 4:00 pm
SMAST E 101-103 and via Zoom

Abstract:

Interest in integrated multitrophic (IMTA) farming technologies is growing in the US, Gulf of America, and the Pacific. This type of aquaculture incorporates lower trophic species that extract inorganic and organic nutrients from a fed species. This technique has been demonstrated by the University of New Hampshire with steelhead trout, blue mussel, and sugar kelp from a floating sea structure called the AquaFort. This farming approach reduces nitrogen input to the environment and produces additional species to be sold thus increasing the economic viability of a farm. The platform is used for aquaculture education, training, research and demonstration. This small-scale approach eases the permitting process, informs the public on responsible farming methods and provides fresh seafood to local markets. A second IMTA project has commenced offshore of Dauphin Island, AL. This project is funded by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and is currently producing red drum, eastern oysters, and Gracilaria. A third project is underway on Saipan in the Northern Marina Islands. This project is in the permitting phase and is currently collecting environmental data for a site offshore of Garapan. The status of these projects will be presented.

 Join Meeting

https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93758230260

Note: Meeting ID and passcode required. Please email contact to obtain.

For additional information, please contact Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

SMAST East 101-103 : 836 S. Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford MA 02744
Callie Rumbut
c.rumbut@umassd.edu
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93758230260