Aquaculture Extension

Adrienne Ratti checks on sturgeon

With abundant cold-water resources in the west and a long coastline to the east, North Carolina is a natural for aquaculture, and aquaculture has been among the fastest-growing segments of the state’s agriculture sector. North Carolina Cooperative Extension focuses on providing growers the information they need to continue growing this industry. Please visit North Carolina Cooperative Aquaculture Extension and our “Getting Started” page for information on starting an aquaculture operation of your own, information about species commonly produced in North Carolina, a list of suppliers, and the most up-to-date publications and news about aquaculture in North Carolina.

Program activities in aquaculture deal with technically advanced topics such as broodstock domestication and selection, sex manipulation, fish health, triploid production, effluent management, recirculating systems, and new culture species. Extension efforts enhance efficiency, profitability, and sustainability in existing warmwater, coolwater, and coldwater aquaculture and fisheries, and with the development of new species for aquaculture.

Client groups consist of area specialized aquaculture extension agents and county agents, state and federal agencies dealing with agriculture and natural resources, private producers and producer organizations, and other individuals with an interest in aquaculture and fisheries. Specialists in the mountains and the coastal plain maintain and operate laboratories capable of assisting with water quality and fish health issues. Both locations have facilities for conducting applied research and demonstration projects.

Education efforts include conducting workshops, field days, seminars and other training for the benefit of area extension agents and producers, as well as organizing sessions on aquaculture-related topics at state and national conferences. Active applied research programs enhance these efforts.

Information by species