The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) conducts research on aquaculture at 14 locations in the United States. The research was performed by 40 ARS and a number of collaborating scientists through extramural partnerships.
Since 1997 ARS has organized its research in 23 national programs of research to enhance communication with customers and stakeholders, as well as to increase program coordination and accountability.
The Aquaculture National Program is one of the 23 national research programs. Research conducted in the ARS Aquaculture National Program is organized under seven components. These components are: genetic improvement; integrated aquatic animal health management; reproduction and early development; growth, development, and nutrition; aquaculture production systems, sustainability and environmental compatibility of aquaculture; and quality, safety, and variety of aquaculture products for consumers. Currently,16 projects are focused on problems of catfish, hybrid striped bass. tilapia, shellfish, Arctic char, trout, and marine shrimp.
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) is the agency within USDA which administers federal funds for extramural research, extension, and education. CSREES provides national leadership and support for major research and extension educational programs in support of private-sector aquaculture in cooperation with its partners. These programs expanded significantly in the mid 1970's and through the 1990's in response to the growth of commercial aquaculture in the U.S.
CSREES, through its partnership with the Cooperative Extension System, has supported and provided national leadership for extension education, information dissemination, and technology transfer programs that have been critical to the development of commercial aquaculture in this country. Regional program planning and cooperation have expanded and presently, state extension specialists are involved with regional and national aquaculture programs directed at producers, processors, regulatory agencies, lenders, and local and state governments. These extension educational programs have resulted in improved production system efficiency and farm management practices, expanded market opportunities, and have assisted the private sector in responding to changing federal regulations and policies.
CSREES supports a continuum of fundamental research and technology development linked to strong extension education and technology transfer programs. The current CSREES aquaculture research and extension base is highly diverse in terms of funding mechanisms, areas of science, and species. Total federal extramural funding in aquaculture research programs administered by CSREES in fiscal year 1999 was $20.2 million which is approximately double the investment of $10.3 million in fiscal year 1987 (Figure 1). Total funding for the extension aquaculture programs is more difficult to specify since many extension programs and personnel are jointly funded by CSREES, Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service (Department of Commerce), state, and local governments.
Five Regional Aquaculture Centers (RAC) were established by Congress in Title XIV of the Agriculture & Food Act of 1980 and the Food Security Act of 1985 (Subtitle L, Section 1475[d]). The Regional Aquaculture Centers encourage cooperative and collaborative research and extension education programs in aquaculture having regional or national application. Center programs complement and strengthen existing aquaculture research and extension education programs supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Sea Grant College Program, and other public institutions.
The mission of the Regional Aquaculture Centers is to support aquaculture research, development, demonstration, and extension education to enhance viable and profitable U.S. aquaculture production to benefit consumers, producers, service industries, and the American economy. Projects that are developed and funded by the Regional Centers are based on industry needs and are designed to directly impact commercial aquaculture development in all states and territories. The Centers are organized to engage the best aquaculture science, education programs, and facilities in the United States. Center programs insure effective coordination and a region-wide team approach to project planning and implementation by research, extension, government, and industry collaboration. Inter-agency cooperation and shared funding of priority projects are strongly encouraged.
Small Business Innovation Research Program
Farm Service Agency
(FSA)
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
Risk Management Agency (RMA)
Food Safety
Inspection Service (FSIS)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS)
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
Economic Research Service (ERS)
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
Rural Business -
Cooperative Service (RBS)
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