Description:
Summary: We stand at a critical juncture in the development of marine aquaculture in the United States. The U.S. is a major consumer of aquaculture products – we import 91% of our seafood and half of that is from aquaculture – yet we are a minor producer. Algal products have a huge market worldwide, use energy from the sun, and can uptake excess nutrients, improving local water quality. A compelling case can be made for growing algae for specific compounds, food, feed, fuel and to enhance ecosystem services in the United States; creating employment and business opportunities and providing local, safe, and sustainable products. Marine algal aquaculture is part of NOAA’s comprehensive strategy to maintain healthy and productive marine ecosystems and vibrant coastal communities. The Department of Commerce and NOAA have produced complimentary National Aquaculture Policies supporting growth in domestic aquaculture.
Proposals are requested for research towards innovative products and services supporting domestic algal aquaculture. Priority is given to research that addresses key industry bottlenecks to increase economic competitiveness of domestically cultured algae products, enhance ecosystem services, protect food safety and security, and create economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Project Goals: New techniques and technologies are needed to support the nascent domestic algal aquaculture industry. Projects that would support the sustainable growth of the industry include but are not limited to: new engineering technologies (bioreactors, structures, offshore moorings), production technologies (new candidate species for aquaculture, better harvest methods, increased yield, physiology, reproduction, genetics and genomics), product development, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), and improved products and tools for preventing, diagnosing, and controlling disease and contamination from pollutants. Work is also needed on the raising and refining of algae with nutritional profiles that can be used to directly enhance human health and/or provide key nutrients to aquafeeds.
Phase I Activities and Expected Deliverables:
Activities:
• Identify key bottlenecks that will be addressed
• Execute research and development of techniques and management measures to address these bottlenecks
Deliverables:
• Proof of concept
• Report showing promise for commercial application of developed technology/technique
Phase II Activities and Expected Deliverables:
Activities:
• Prototype trials of the techniques and products developed in phase I
Deliverables:
• Detailed report on developed technology/technique showing biological and economic feasibility under commercial conditions.
