Courtesy of NOAA:
The NOAA Coastal Aquaculture Planning and Environmental Sustainability Program (CAPES) assesses aquaculture environmental interactions to support sustainable coastal aquaculture development. Our scientists are multidisciplinary experts with over 75 years of combined marine aquaculture experience. We equip the nation’s coastal decision-makers with spatial planning and ecoforecasting tools to make informed and confident decisions regarding aquaculture in the coastal zone.
Why is this important?
Our appetite for safe and nutritious seafood products is outpacing the global seafood supply. To help satisfy this demand, the US is increasing its aquaculture production. NOAA is committed to supporting an aquaculture industry that is economically sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible [NOAA Aquaculture Policy]. American expertise and innovation play a significant role in the evolution of aquaculture technology for production of valuable fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms. While the opportunity for marine aquaculture development is great, industry growth has been constrained by competition among user groups for space and resources and concerns about environmental impacts.
Focus Areas:
Projects and Publications
- Marine Cage Culture and the Environment
- Shellfish Aquaculture and Nutrient Mitigation in Long Island Sound
- Environmental Models for Marine Aquaculture Site Selection and Spatial Planning
- U.S. Caribbean Cage Culture Best Management Practices
To learn more about CAPES, contact James.Morris@noaa.gov. To keep up with CAPES aquaculture news and projects happening around the globe, search “aquaculture” on the NCCOS Projects Explorer.
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