Aquaculture refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of animals and plants in water environments, marine or otherwise. It accounts for around half of the world's seafood supply and about 7 percent of the United States' total domestic seafood production by weight. It is one of the most resource-efficient ways to produce protein and is vital for supporting our nation's seafood production. And it supports year-round jobs, enhanced coastal resilience, and the rebuilding of protected species and habitats in the wild.
In this StoryMap, dive into the unique aquaculture projects we’ve supported in the Pacific Islands region from 2020–2023. Some projects focus on revitalizing traditional Hawaiian loko iʻa, or fishponds. Others seek to build the next generation of aquaculture experts, or develop ventures with new species, like limu (seaweed) and native sea cucumbers.