U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H. informed about the funding of the grant to the University of Hampshire which would boost the aquaculture industry and will aid UNH fishing practices research. According to Gregg the funds will allow UNH to research technologies for reducing damage to offshore cages by marine organisms and to develop new depth-control technologies for optimizing fish feeding, metabolism, stress reduction and growth.
Gregg told that employing aquaculture and other sustainable fishing practices are key to the long-term economic viability of the Granite State’s ocean resources. He added that the University of New Hampshire continues to be a leader in this important field and is setting the standard for the region in this technology. Dr Richard Langan, director of the Atlantic Marine Aquaculture Center, expressed pleasure at the receiving the grant and Gregg’s support.
Langan said that the fund has allowed us to successfully compete for and secure funding from NOAA for this project. Technology for offshore aquaculture has advanced significantly in recent years; however, we need to achieve greater efficiency for production of native species like cod, haddock and halibut to be commercially viable.
Langan added that the grant will develop advanced, non-toxic materials that resist unwanted growth, greatly reducing the labor required to keep cages clean. According to Langan the fund will also develop precision depth control of cages so that fish can be placed at depths where temperatures are ideal for fish health and growth.
