Outreach

Color illustration of the ocean surface and aquaculture.

 

Deep Water Seaweed Farming Successful Technology Demonstration in Maine

Members of the CSSS, Michael Chambers, Zach Moscicki, Rob Swift and Igor Tsukrov collaborated with Umaro Foods, Otherlabs, Kelson Marine and Stationkeep LLC to design and test a resilient, low-cost system for growing macroalgae (a.k.a seaweed) at large scales in the open ocean environment. The project is funded by the US Department of Energy ARPA-E’s MARINER program, which aims to encourage technologies that could someday support a macroalgae based biofuel industry. This presentation serves as summary of the key project objectives. 
View Macroalgae PDF

Photo of baby smelt fish under microscope.

 

Aquaculture Research at UNH:
Using Fish Physiology to Help Growers of Commercially Important Species

The work done in the Berlinsky Lab at UNH helps to improve the cultivation of commercially important finfish species by understanding and ultimately controlling physiological processes. For example, by understanding reproductive processes, researchers can control the timing of fish breeding, alter the ultimate sex of fishes in an aquaculture system, and enhance egg quality. 
Learn more about Aquaculture Research at UNH

Photo of mother holding daughter's hand on boat.

 

Graduate Student Feature: Gender Equity in Aquaculture

Graduate Research Fellow and former intern of Michael Chambers, Natalie Lord, researched the gender norms of the aquaculture industry. Entering into a previously male-dominated sector has often been a challenge for women and they are working hard to dismantle the perceptions of traditional roles for women in the maritime sector. 
Learn more about Gender Equity in Aquaculture

Cover image of diver for Open Ocean Aquaculture presentation.

 

Open Ocean Aquaculture symposium presentation

On October 6, 2022, Michael Chambers joined a team of aquaculture experts presenting material at the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Offshore Aquaculture Symposium. The goal was to initiate a new aquaculture industry that would create seafood security for the local population and provide opportunity to export seafood to other Pacific Islands. Dr. Chambers presented on behalf of the CSSS with a focus on how his Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) work can be applied for island communities.
View PDF

Color photo of several lumpfish adhered to the tank wall.

 

Aquaculture Research at UNH:
Using Lumpfish in Aquaculture Production

The University of New Hampshire has been working with the New England aquaculture industry (salmon farmers in Maine and steelhead trout farmers in N.H.) to promote the use of cleaner fish in salmonid cage culture to control parasitic sea lice in a more environmentally friendly and natural way. 
Learn more about Lumpfish in Aquaculture Production

Photo of Kelsey Meyer and two oyster shuckers at Oyster Fest.

 

Oyster farmers raising awareness of industry with Oyster Fest

Oyster Week 2022 closed with Oyster Fest at Bernie's Beach Bar in Hampton. The event showcased music, drinks and all-you-can-eat oysters from six local farmers. The New Hampshire Shellfish Farmers Initiative organized the event and is made up of all 14 oyster farmers in the Seacoast. Organizers want people to know the environmental and economic benefits of oyster farming.
Learn more about this event

Elizabeth Fairchild holding a large lumpfish.

 

Building Momentum for the Blue Economy

From harnessing the tides to protecting coastal resources, UNH is at the nexus of conserving and leveraging the power of the sea. When it comes to the economy, the ocean is a major player — from tourism to energy, seafood to shipping, the world’s marine-related assets tally up to trillions of dollars. But our oceans and coastlines are facing unprecedented pressures.
Learn more about Building Momentum for the Blue Economy

Center group standing on the beach.

 

Sustaining the Seas – UNH Sustainable Seafood Director Hired

David Fredriksson has been selected to lead the new UNH Sustainable Seafood Center — a hub at the nexus of food security, climate change adaptation and ecological protection. He joins an already robust team of UNH faculty and staff who are committed to finding solutions to these pressing challenges.
Learn more about the new director
Color photo of man holding a fish net with shrimp inside.

 

Mike Chambers Talks Marine Jobs on PBS Roadtrip Nation

UNH Marine Biologist, Aquaculture Specialist, and Associate Professor Michael Chambers discussed marine biology and aquaculture on PBS Roadtrip Nation's segment exploring skilled jobs with serious potential. Check out his various clips, highlights, milestones, and career path history. “Get your hands wet.”
Learn more

Man holding striped bass in tank area.

 

NH-Grown Striped Bass Aquaculture

Research from UNH helmed by David Berlinsky with Linas Kenter is developing saltwater striped bass aquaculture, paving the way for a new industry to grow striped bass. Hear why striped bass are a unique opportunity for aquaculture from Dr. Kenter and chef Brendan Vesey of Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar.
Learn More about NH-Grown Striped Bass Aquaculture

Fisherman netting fish off AquaFort.

 

The AquaFort: Revolutionizing local aquaculture in New Hampshire

Just offshore of New Castle, New Hampshire, Sea Grant researchers are teaming up with local fishermen and farmers to create a new model for sustainable, small-scale finfish aquaculture: The AquaFort. Funded by the Sea Grant National Aquaculture Initiative’s 2018 aquaculture research awards.
Learn more about the Aquafort

Two people on a floating platform pullig up kelp.

 

UNH Receives $5M to Expand Its Commitment to Sustainable Seafood

Thanks to a $5 million gift, the University of New Hampshire will transform and expand its existing open ocean aquaculture site into the UNH Sustainable Seafood Field Laboratory. This first-of-its-kind field lab will provide the critical data needed to monitor local environment conditions and the aquaculture system’s impact on natural fisheries.
Read the full article
Two men working on fishing net.

 

Seafood Solutions – For a Global Food Source

A $5 million gift will enable UNH to dive deeper into the study of sustainable seafood and aquaculture on that global scale. The gift, made through the Emily Landecker Foundation, will create a Sustainable Seafood Laboratory and transform UNH’s ability to answer significant questions in the areas of natural fisheries and aquaculture systems.
Learn more
Two fishermen with nets over platform.

 

Steelhead Trout Making a Splash

Thanks to the work of researchers at N.H. Sea Grant and UNH Cooperative Extension, New Hampshire-raised steelhead trout are making a splash in restaurants and seafood markets across northern New England. Experts discuss the importance of responsible aquaculture for sustainable seafood and how “the legendary UNH steelhead trout” started winning accolades after just one season.
Read the full article

Photo of round aquaculture platforms with boat.

 

Marine Aquaculture: A Promising Future

Mussels, kelp and trout grown off the coast of Portsmouth, N.H. are fulfilling demand for local seafood while removing excess nutrients from the water. This video from NOAA Fisheries focuses on marine aquaculture and features N.H. fishermen, chefs, UNH professor Hunt Howell and NHSG/UNHCE marine aquaculture specialist Michael Chambers.
Read the full article

Color photo of boat and fish net structure on ocean.

 

Small-scale, submersible fish cages suitable for developing economies

Achieving food security in developing nations is a mission of numerous governmental and international organizations. Small-scale aquaculture, both on land and sea, can aid this effort through the consistent production of seafood supplied to a local population within a geographical region.
Read the full article