Building Aquaculture Expertise: Sea Grant’s 2025 Aquaculture Academy Kicks Off in New Hampshire

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The Aquaculture Academy participants stand on a floating aquaculture platform. One woman tosses feed into the net pen, while everyone else looks on laughing and smiling. Everyone is wearing cold-weather gear.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire — The salty breeze, fast-moving tide, and working harbor of Portsmouth set a perfect stage for the first stop of the 2025 Aquaculture Academy in April. Designed to bring together Sea Grant professionals from across the country, the Academy offers a year-long, cohort-based professional development opportunity. Participants gain the knowledge, skills and networks needed to be successful in their work supporting United States aquaculture. 

The Aquaculture Academy is not just another workshop — it’s an immersive experience. Each day of the Academy focused on distinct sectors of the aquaculture industry, highlighting the innovations, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of domestic seafood production: 

Day 1: Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)

The Academy kicked off with a focus on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, an approach that mimics natural ecosystems by cultivating multiple species together — such as finfish, shellfish, and seaweed — to enhance environmental sustainability and economic resilience. Participants explored how IMTA systems can reduce waste, improve water quality, and create diversified income streams for farmers.  

Researcher guided tours at the University of New Hampshire’s demonstration farm, AquaFort and discussions gave attendees a firsthand look at the benefits of this approach. 

A clear highlight of the day was observing how lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) are being grown as a potential biocontrol on parasites in salmonid aquaculture. 

  • The participants gather around the lumpfish tanks in awe of the animals.

    Aquaculture Academy participants gather around the lumpfish tanks at the Coastal Marine Lab, as they learn about their use as bio-controls for parasites in aquaculture. 

  • Two lumpfish come up to the surface of a tank, staring at the camera.

    Lumpfish at the Coastal Marine Lab. 

  • The group poses for a picture on the coast with Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in the background.

    The cohort poses for a group photo with the Portsmouth Harbor lighthouse in the background. 

  • The group stands on AquaFort, a floating aquaculture platform off the coast of New Hampshire. One individual throws out feed into the net pen to feed the fish as everyone looks on smiling.

    The cohort visits AquaFort, a floating aquaculture platform off the coast of New Castle, NH. One participant feeds the steelhead trout, while the group looks on. 

  • A line of mussels that was pulled out onto the AquaFort platform, to display the other species grown with steelhead trout.

    A line of mussels that was pulled out onto the AquaFort platform, to display the other species grown with steelhead trout. 

  • Two participants look at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse from the vessel.

    Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse off the coast of New Castle, NH. 

  • Participants look on as staff speak about the AquaFort.
  • A few participants look into the AquaFort net pen at the steelhead trout.

    Participants watch the steelhead trout in AquaFort's net pen. 

  • The group drives a vessel back to the UNH Pier, speaking about their experience together.

    The group steams back to the UNH Pier after experiencing the AquaFort. 

  • A view looking back at the UNH Pier in New Castle, NH as the group steams out towards AquaFort.

    A view looking back at the UNH Pier in New Castle, NH as the group steams out towards AquaFort. 

  • One participant holds up a vial with marine parasites in it, in the Coastal Marine Lab.

    Participants examine common marine parasites in a vial at the Coastal Marine Lab. 

  • Two individuals examine the engineering of the aquaculture tanks in the Coastal Marine Lab.

    Aquaculture Academy leader and organizer, Linas Kenter, shows a participant the engineering behind the Coastal Marine Lab's systems. 

  • A group of Aquaculture Academy participants get a tour inside of the Coastal Marine Lab. With posters in the foreground, and staff speaking with participants in the background.

    Participants get a tour of the UNH Coastal Marine Lab. 

  • The group walks out of the Coastal Marine Lab in New Castle, NH.

    The group walks out of the Coastal Marine Lab in New Castle, NH. 

Day 2: Finfish Aquaculture

The second day turned the spotlight onto commercial finfish culture, diving into the science, technology, and business strategies behind raising species such as steelhead trout and barramundi.  

Participants ventured inland to Great Falls Aquaculture in Massachusetts, where they received a full tour of their facility, observing the production process from start to finish, and accessing firsthand intel about finfish markets.  

The day wrapped up with a panel discussion on best practices for fish health, led by industry experts from Innovasea, Salmogen, and Kennebec River Biosciences.  

Winding down in the evening, the group gathered to watch a screening of NH Sea Grant’s Women on the Water film, which shares the unique stories of women working in New Hampshire’s seafood industry. Dr. Gabriela Bradt, Fisheries Extension Specialist at NH Sea Grant, joined to share insight about the film’s creation, impact, and the opportunities that aquaculture can bring to women interested in entering this field. 

  • The group gathers inside Great Falls Aquaculture's facility, where the owner speaks to the group about their practices. The building is large and open, lined with large, circular aquaculture systems.

    The group gathers around as staff at Great Falls Aquaculture give a tour of the facility, stopping along the way to discuss operations and answer questions. 

  • In the foreground, a long-exposure photograph shows the moving water of a circular aquaculture system, while the group talks together in the background.
  • Participants write down notes as the speaker from Great Falls Aquaculture discusses their operations.

    The group takes diligent notes as they learn firsthand from industry professionals on finfish aquaculture. 

  • A group of barramundi fish swimming in an aquaculture tank.

    Barramundi, Lates calcarifer, are a species of finfish produced by Great Falls Aquaculture. 

  • Two participants have a conversation about the barramundi aquaculture they are witnessing.
  • In the foreground, live product is prepared in large bins to be shipped out to buyers, while the group discusses seafood markets in the background.

    Live barramundi are prepared by Great Falls Aquaculture to be shipped to a buyer, as the group discusses seafood markets and logistics. 

  • A landscape view of the Great Falls Aquaculture facility, with large pools of water where the fish are grown in the foreground and background.

    A view of Great Falls Aquaculture's facility. 

  • A long exposure photo of water moving around an aquaculture system.
  • Two participants look into a circular aquaculture system, where barramundi fish are being grown.

    Participants observe the barramundi being grown at Great Falls Aquaculture. 

Day 3: Seaweed and Mussel (Non-Fed) Aquaculture

Moving Northward to Portland, Maine, the Academy’s next stop explored the rapid rise of seaweed aquaculture — a climate-friendly and nutrient-packed food source with promising market potential. With on-the-water guidance from Maine Sea Grant staff, Academy participants learned about seaweed cultivation, processing, and the expanding range of products, from kelp burgers to cosmetics. Discussions also explored seaweed’s role in carbon sequestration and ocean health, underscoring its importance in building a more sustainable coastal economy.  

The day concluded with a trip to Bangs Island Mussels, where the owners described how they have navigated running a successful family business in a changing Gulf of Maine. Not to mention how they defend against hungry sea ducks consuming their product! 

Experiencing the immense potential for non-fed aquaculture practices and witnessing their positive impact on local ecosystems left participants feeling inspired by the possibilities. Unlike fed aquaculture, seaweed and shellfish farming require no added feed inputs — instead, they draw nutrients directly from the water, helping to improve water quality while producing valuable food and materials. Participants left with a deeper appreciation for how non-fed aquaculture can support resilient working waterfronts, bolster coastal economies, and contribute crucial ecosystem services.  

  • Two participants hold up a large piece of kelp, with a lighthouse in the background.

    Participants share a fun moment posing for a picture with kelp! 

  • Maine Sea Grant staff demonstrate some of the gear used in seaweed aquaculture, from within the cabin of the tour boat.

    A huge shout out to Jaclyn Robidoux and Annie Fagan, Marine Extension Associates at Maine Sea Grant, who shared their wealth of knowledge on seaweed aquaculture with the cohort.

  • Two participants stand on the side of the vessel, laughing and smiling.
  • Local seaweed species are laid on a wood table, as viewed from directly above.

    Local seaweed species that are grown by farmers in Maine. 

  • A group of three participants pose at the back of the boat for a photo.

    The firsthand experiences and networking opportunities provided by the Aquaculture Academy foster lasting professional relationships. 

  • A view of the inside of a tour boat, with all of the participants gathered around a guest speaker. There is a nautical map of Maine in the foreground.

    The group gathers around for a boat tour of Portland's coastline, led by Maine Sea Grant staff. 

  • Inside the galley of the tour boat, the group examines local seaweeds, gathered around a table.

    Not only did the group learn about seaweed aquaculture, but they were able to try some of the products too! 

  • Mussel farms off of the coast of Portland, Maine, as viewed from a distance.

    Mussel farms off of Portland, Maine. 

  • Two participants sit down while smiling and listening to the guest speakers.

    There's nothing that puts a smile on this group's face like spending time on the water and learning about seaweed aquaculture!

  • Bangs Island Mussels location on the Portland Wharf, as viewed from across an inlet.

    Bangs Island Mussels location on the Portland Wharf. 

  • A participant takes notes on a piece of paper while listening to staff from Bangs Island Mussels.

    The group took diligent notes while listening to guest speakers like the owners of Bangs Island Mussels. 

  • The group stands at the side of the Portland Wharf, looking out onto the water.

Day 4: Seafood Sustainability, Policies, and Social License

After three days of field experiences, and learning directly from businesses, the workshop concluded with a series of talks and activities that grounded the week’s learning in the industry’s regulatory framework, marketing strategies, and social license to operate.  

Global Seafood Alliance spearheaded a discussion on market certifications for aquaculture, followed with a presentation by the National Aquaculture Association on the various federal and state policies affecting aquaculture across the United States. Emily Whitmore of the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, provided a presentation and interactive session for participants to understand the importance of community acceptance for future aquaculture in the US. 

“One of the most inspiring aspects of organizing the Academy is witnessing the cohort bonds created through the experience. Full days of walking along docks, riding boats in the snow, and learning about each other’s expertise sends everyone home inspired by new connections that can’t be forged in traditional meetings. The impact of this program is long-term and real!” - Linas Kenter, Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Scientist at NH Sea Grant and co-organizer of the Aquaculture Academy. 

Throughout the Academy, participants engaged with leading researchers, industry partners, and each other, forging connections that will help strengthen Sea Grant aquaculture programs nationwide. By the end of the four days, the group left Portsmouth not only with new knowledge but also with a renewed sense of purpose: to help advance sustainable aquaculture practices that benefit local communities, the environment, and the seafood industry. 

To learn more about the Aquaculture Academy and New Hampshire Sea Grant’s work in aquaculture, visit: 

Aquaculture Academy

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