September 23, 2024

University of Hawaii, US, opens new aquaculture facility to support research and education

A newly completed aquaculture facility, covering approximately 8,600 sqf and equipped with two recirculation systems for housing aquatic organisms in freshwater or saltwater, is now operational at the University of Hawaii, US.

The Tuahine Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (TAREC) was established through a partnership between the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and the UH Sea Grant College Program (Hawaii Sea Grant).

Professor Andre Seale, from CTAHR's Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Science Department, spearheaded the project. He stated that TAREC aims to provide a platform for integrated research, extension, and education activities that address the needs of the aquaculture industry while supporting workforce development.

"Through a versatile and integrated system design capable of providing animals with a range of environmental conditions, the main goal of TAREC is to address aquaculture industry needs and funding agency priorities," said Seale.

The facility houses nearly 80 tanks and experimental aquaria, with capacities ranging from 20 to 5,000 litres. It currently supports ongoing research projects involving tilapia broodstock and Native Hawaiian sea cucumbers. Seale and his students are also conducting a study on striped mullet culture, funded by Hawaii Sea Grant, to aid in Hawaiian fishpond restocking efforts.

Hawaii Sea Grant Director Darren Lerner expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Seale and the new facility. "We have been thrilled to work with Dr Seale over the past several years to help create a much-needed aquaculture facility at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration on aquaculture research, outreach, and education activities," Lerner said.

In addition to research, TAREC is being used for experiential learning, with undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Seale's aquaculture production course. The facility also plans to host aquaculture training workshops for the community, in collaboration with Hawaii Sea Grant.

The funding for TAREC was provided by the UH Manoa Office of the vice chancellor of research, CTAHR, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

-      University of Hawaii