Lincoln University

Cooperative Extension

Aquaculture Technical Assistance and Outreach Program

Providing Accurate and Timely Information to Make Sound Decisions

Delaware State University Aquaculture Research and Demonstration Facility in Dover, Delaware.

Program Objectives

Promote the development and growth of an economically viable and environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry in Delaware.
Identify suitable aquaculture species, production and management methods and recognize markets for DE grown aquaculture products.
Educate farmers, community leaders and other interested individuals on technological and social issues pertaining to aquaculture.

Outreach Activities

DSU faculty and staff routinely participate in outreach activities to promote and showcase aquaculture around the state, including:

The Delaware State Fair
Coast Day
DSU Farm Tour
Invitational presentations at local schools, clubs and community organizations

Technical Assistance

Education

Provide accurate and timely information necessary to make informed decisions
Suggest alternative species and production techniques

Planning

Provide one-on-one consultations
Identify individual needs of farmers
Help determine realistic goals and outcomes

Evaluation

Determine suitability of proposed site and facility design
Monitor progress
Troubleshoot problems including slow growth, deteriorating water quality and mortality

Success

Maximize aquaculture production
Minimize production costs and labor inputs
Maximize income

Although the aquaculture industry in Delaware is extremely limited in scale, there is a large potential for growth. A lack of knowledge about growing aquatic species, which species to grow and how to market the products once they are produced, and the lack of a model that fits into the existing farm infrastructure, may in part, be responsible for the limited industry.

At Delaware State University we are addressing these issues. Our efforts have largely been aimed at identifying suitable aquaculture species for use in DE and low input methods to raise them profitably.