Saving Seafood

The NSF Seafood Engine in New England wins $15M U.S. National Science Foundation award to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture

July 15, 2026 — The following was released by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution:

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a major new award to bolster the American seafood industry through the NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program within the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (NSF TIP). The NSF Seafood Engine in New England, led by the Portsmouth-based non-profit NERACOOS, is a collaboration of seafood industry, tech sector, government, and research partners across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This innovation ecosystem aims to revitalize the seafood sector through cutting-edge technology. This award will position New England to lead the nation in meeting the goals outlined in the Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.   

“NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. “The NSF Seafood Engine will leverage cutting-edge resources, including AI, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, robotics, and more to strengthen the New England seafood supply chain, from harvesting to consumer delivery, supporting businesses up and down the coastline.” 

The Seafood Engine will initially receive an award of $15 million over two years, with the potential to grow up to $160 million over ten years as it works to build an internationally competitive technology and innovation cluster. This core funding from NSF creates an unprecedented opportunity to leverage additional resources from public, private, and philanthropic sources to expand the partnership and scale its outcomes. The NSF Engine strives to enhance the competitiveness of fisheries and aquaculture, a pillar of New England’s economy that accounts for 25% of the nation’s seafood value. The technological solutions can be rolled out nationwide, propelling the American seafood industry to a stronger position within the global market. 

“Built on the ingenuity and steadfast determination at the heart of America’s oldest commercial enterprise, the Seafood Engine is ready to confront key challenges facing the industry with bold innovation,” said Jake Kritzer, Principal Investigator of the Seafood Engine and Executive Director of NERACOOS. 

Over time, new R&D, Workforce Development, and Translation activities will work to reshore American seafood processing capacity and strengthen the full supply chain. Together, these efforts will bring new opportunities to small and medium firms across the New England coastline and cut into the $20B seafood deficit facing American businesses.  

WHOI researchers will support these efforts through leadership in ocean observation, technical innovation, and workforce development. Physical oceanographer Glen Gawarkiewicz will partner with New England fishers to deploy a fleet of nine autonomous underwater vehicles from fishing vessels, collecting and analyzing high-resolution data on conditions that affect commercially important species. Marine biologist Michael Brosnahan will develop and deploy robotic systems for data-driven aquaculture management with colleagues from the University of New Hampshire and the University of Rhode Island. WHOI will also develop a two-week course for students in the WHOI-Cape Cod Community College Blue Economy Internship program to help develop future leaders of the regional blue economy. 

“New England’s prosperity has always been tied to the ocean,” said Diane Foster, WHOI’s Vice President and Dean of Academic Programs and a member of the Seafood Engine Workforce Development Sub-team. “NSF’s foresight in establishing the Seafood Engine will not only strengthen the seafood supply chain with unparalleled innovation, it will also turn the region’s maritime economy into a powerhouse that will support blue innovation, national security, and economic prosperity nationwide.” 

Government leaders from across the Seafood Engine region of service welcomed the news from NSF: 

“Massachusetts’ commercial fishing industry is powered by hardworking fishermen, family-owned businesses and coastal communities that have helped define our state for generations,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “This investment will strengthen those communities by supporting innovation, expanding our workforce and helping to ensure our seafood industry remains competitive for years to come. Congratulations to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance and all of the partners who made this achievement possible.” 

“Our fishing industry has shaped Massachusetts’ coastal communities for generations, and it’s critical that we continue investing in its future,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This partnership brings together fishermen, researchers and businesses to develop new technologies, strengthen our seafood supply chain and create new opportunities for the next generation. We’re proud to be part of this regional effort to keep New England at the forefront of the seafood industry.”  

In early summer 2024, the Seafood Engine submitted one of nearly 300 letters of intent in response to the second NSF Engines funding opportunity. The preliminary proposal was selected as one of 71 to advance to the next round of competition. Following a merit review, the Seafood Engine was one of 29 teams to share a detailed presentation about their proposed NSF Engine. From this process, 15 finalists were selected to participate in two-day site visits with NSF staff and external experts. The Seafood Engine is one of 12 NSF Engines award winners selected from among these finalists. 

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About the Seafood Engine 

The NSF Seafood Engine in New England, led by the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), is working to revitalize a legacy industry by leveraging advanced technologies that reduce the national seafood deficit and strengthen every level of the seafood supply chain.  

Learn more at seafoodengine.org  

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Founded in 1930 and based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, WHOI’s mission is to understand the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicate the ocean’s vital role in the global environment. 

University of Maine joins NSF Seafood Engine initiative to advance New England fisheries and aquaculture

July 15, 2026 — The University of Maine is a key partner in a new $15 million U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine that will strengthen New England’s seafood industry through cutting-edge research, technology innovation and workforce development.

Announced by the U.S. National Science Foundation through its NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, the NSF Seafood Engine in New England is led by the Portsmouth-based nonprofit Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems.

The collaborative initiative brings together leaders from the seafood industry, technology sector, government and research institutions across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island to build a more competitive, resilient and technologically advanced seafood economy.

As a partner in the Seafood Engine, UMaine will contribute expertise in marine science, fisheries, aquaculture, engineering, workforce development and technology commercialization.

Working alongside regional partners, UMaine will help develop innovative solutions that strengthen the seafood supply chain, support coastal communities and prepare the next generation of seafood and blue economy professionals in Maine and beyond.

Read the full article at University of Maine

NSF awards $15M to launch New England Seafood Engine

July 15, 2026 — A new federally backed initiative aimed at strengthening the U.S. seafood industry is bringing $15 million to New England, with commercial fishermen expected to play a central role in developing new technologies for the sector.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced July 14 that the NSF Seafood Engine in New England has been selected for funding through the agency’s Regional Innovation Engines program. Led by the Portsmouth, N.H.-based Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), the initiative brings together seafood industry leaders, researchers, government agencies and technology partners across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, including the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance.

According to the announcement, the project will receive $15 million over its first two years, with the potential to grow into a $160 million investment over the next decade as it builds a regional innovation hub focused on fisheries and aquaculture.

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

Fisherman, Island Institute project aims to reduce financial hurdles to commercial fishing electrification

July 13, 2026 — A pilot program is underway that tests the real-world operational limits of low-voltage electric propulsion in the demanding environments of New England’s working waterfront.

The project, funded and implemented by the Island Institute, centers on the installation and multi-season field testing of a TEMO·1000 electric outboard motor on an 18-foot Rosborough skiff owned by Maine kelp farmer and fisherman Nathan Johnson.

Running through November 2026, the pilot marks a critical milestone, according to TEMO, in a news release: the first systematic commercial testing of the TEMO·1000 system in water temperatures below 45°F, as well as its performance with heavy harvest loads and active fishing operations.

“This project connects directly with local innovators who are addressing both environmental and economic challenges through sustainable aquaculture,” says Nicholas Steenberg, who heads TEMO-US operations in Portland, Maine. “Nathan’s story as a seaweed farmer highlights how these efforts support Maine’s coastal communities and ocean health. It builds authentic relationships and creates visible, relatable examples that can inspire wider adoption across the marine economy.”

As part of its inaugural U.S. community outreach program, French marine tech pioneer TEMO is supporting the year-long commercial pilot program under its new TEMO In Community banner.

Read the full article at Penobscot Bay Pilot

Students dive into aquaculture, fisheries innovation

June 23, 2026 — Roger Williams University (RWU) has expanded its Blue Fellows Program for a second year, increasing participation from seven to ten undergraduate fellows and adding new industry partnerships focused on marine science, aquaculture, biotechnology and fisheries research.

Announced June 9, the program pairs students with faculty researchers and industry organizations working on ocean-based innovation projects. The initiative is part of RWU’s Blue Solutions Institute, which combines marine biotechnology research through the university’s Center for Economic and Environmental Development (CEED) with entrepreneurship programs in the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business.

“The Blue Fellows Program is workforce training for the rapidly expanding blue economy,” said Koty Sharp, director of CEED and associate professor of marine biology. “Our Blue Fellows spend the summer immersed in hands-on applied marine research, in which they are learning important laboratory and field skills that can serve them in a variety of careers after they graduate.”

The following was released by the National Fisherman

Study finds potential links between virus found in aquaculture and human eye disease

June 18, 2026 — An already known virus found across global aquaculture species has been associated with a human eye disease for the first time, adding new concerns around raw seafood handling, aquaculture disease control, and how such viruses are monitored, according to a new study.

The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found a correlation between covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV) and ocular hypertension viral anterior uveitis (POH-VAU), the latter of which causes unusually high pressure inside a human eye, inflammation in the middle of the eyeball, and damage to the optic nerve over time, potentially leading to permanent vision loss.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

ALABAMA: Dauphin Island Sea Lab pilot in Alabama harvests first red drum

June 16, 2026 — An Alabama, U.S.A.-based aquaculture project led by Dauphin Island Sea Lab has harvested its first fish, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

Though funded by Congress years ago, the project has effectively been dead in the water awaiting permitting and other agreements, Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture Project Manager Ashley McDonald said in a department announcement. The project finally lifted off last year after receiving a protected species agreement from NOAA and permits from ADCNR, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and a platform and fish pen were installed about 2 miles off the coast of Fort Morgan.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

NOAA strengthens commitment to aquaculture through new cooperative institute

June 8, 2026 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Today, NOAA announced the University of New Hampshire as host institution for the new NOAA Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM) to expand NOAA’s impact and strengthen efforts to boost American seafood competitiveness.

After a highly competitive application process, this new five-year cooperative institute will harness partnerships with cutting-edge researchers to advance American marine aquaculture. Approximately $13,500,000 will be available this year for projects following the establishment of CIFARM. 

“The United States is finally recognizing aquaculture as a vital complement to our world-class fisheries,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA administrator. “We look forward to collaborating with these exemplary partners to continue to unlock the potential of this industry in the United States.”

CIFARM researchers will investigate solutions that can be leveraged for industry advancement, such as: 

  • Marine aquaculture demonstration projects;
  • Engineering and technology development;
  • Artificial intelligence for aquaculture;
  • Environmental observations and forecasting;
  • Risk management and vulnerability analysis; and
  • Seafood markets research.

These research priorities will also magnify scientific advancement through education, outreach, and engagement.

“We are excited to partner with NOAA on this first-of-its kind cooperative institute to advance American aquaculture,” said Elizabeth Chilton, Ph.D., president of the University of New Hampshire. “By leveraging our coalition’s scientific excellence and regional expertise, we are poised to make great strides for the aquaculture industry.” 

University of New Hampshire has partnered with a diverse suite of outstanding academic, industry, and non-governmental organization partners, including: New Hampshire Sea Grant, the University of Miami, Florida Sea Grant, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, California Sea Grant, University of Hawaii and Hawaii Sea Grant.

“By investing in aquaculture research and markets, NOAA Fisheries continues its commitment to improving sustainable American fisheries through science-based management,” said Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “We are proud to empower the industry to produce more seafood for American plates.”  

Americans eat $24.2 billion in imported seafood each year, about half of which is estimated to be farmed in other countries. Aquaculture creates jobs, uplifts coastal economies and complements wild-capture fisheries, while providing healthy and sustainable seafood to American families and bolstering domestic food security.

Congress directed the establishment of a new cooperative institute advancing U.S. marine aquaculture development in Fiscal Year 2024 Congressional appropriations. By providing scientific solutions for the aquaculture industry, NOAA’s effort also helps fulfill the 2020 Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth and supports President Trump’s 2025 Executive Order Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.

NOAA Aquaculture Program’s mission is to provide science, services, and policies that create conditions for opportunity and growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture. This long-term collaborative partnership will promote research, education, training and outreach aligned with this mission. 

WHOI Sea Grant supports $1.6 million in critical aquaculture and fisheries research

April 8, 2026 — Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant has awarded $1.6 million to four new research projects that will investigate pressing concerns related to Massachusetts’ vital aquaculture and fisheries industries, including oysters, soft-shell clams, and black sea bass. The awards are the result of WHOI Sea Grant’s 2026 to 2027 biennial research competition.

“Each of these projects addresses a question we’re hearing directly from those working on the water: how to keep shellfish beds open, how to manage emerging fisheries, how to improve aquaculture practices, and how to restore oyster reefs more effectively,” said WHOI Sea Grant Director Matt Charette. “This is science driven by real needs, with outcomes that will directly benefit coastal communities.”

Over the next two years, these projects will generate new tools and data to support species economically and environmentally important to coastal Massachusetts. The Commonwealth-based researchers will also share this work with the people who will directly benefit from the findings. The projects reflect a coordinated effort to address several pressing challenges facing Massachusetts’ coastal waters and communities.

Read the full article at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution