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

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.
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.
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.
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: