Project abstract purpose: this project aims to expand the vesl seafood software into a fully integrated online compliance tracking portal to support north carolinas shellfish farming industry

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded North Carolina State University a $277,920 cooperative agreement on June 1, 2026, under the Sea Grant Support program (CFDA 11.417) to expand the VESL Seafood Software into a fully integrated online compliance tracking portal supporting North Carolina's shellfish farming industry.

The project develops and launches an online portal with email and mobile notifications to inform farmers of regulatory deadlines and policy updates, reducing administrative burdens and improving compliance efficiency for shellfish farmers. Training and outreach activities increase platform adoption. Duke University Master of Public Policy students conduct policy research on marine fish and macroalgae farming under expert mentorship and deliver policy recommendations for permitting improvements to inform regulatory modernization. The project strengthens engagement between industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies through interagency collaboration.

The North Carolina Shellfish Growers Association serves as sub-recipient, working with industry representatives and contractor Bluefin Data (a fisheries online portal and software developer) to inform portal functionality, oversee development, and manage platform operations and updates.

Performance occurs in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a period of performance from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029.

Activities

Develop and launch an online portal for compliance tracking and include email and mobile notifications to inform farmers of deadlines and policy updates. Provide training and outreach to increase adoption of the platform. Duke university master of public policy (MPP) students will conduct research on marine fish and macroalgae farming under expert mentorship. They will conduct policy research on marine fish and macroalgae farming. Support regulatory modernization through interagency collaboration.

Expected outcomes

A fully functional compliance tracking portal with real-time notifications. Increased regulatory efficiency and improved business management for shellfish farmers. Policy recommendations for permitting improvements. Strengthened engagement between industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies.

Intended beneficiaries

North carolina shellfish farmers seeking to improve regulatory compliance and financial tracking. NC sea grant and aquaculture regulatory agencies looking to enhance efficiency. Policymakers and industry stakeholders interested in advancing marine aquaculture regulations.

Subrecipient activities

The north carolina shellfish growers association (ncsga) will work with industry representatives and contractor bluefin data (a fisheries online portal and software developer) to inform online portal functionality and oversee online portal development. Additionally, they will manage platform operations, updates, and notifications. Carteret community college will spearhead outreach and compile a user feedback report through their 8-week shellfish academy. They will liaise with MPP students to submit their policy report to NC sea grant. North carolina sea grant will lead grant administration and reporting efforts, and assist in outreach activities including the promotion of the online portal /dashboard at the north project abstract: development of an online compliance portal and policy review for the north carolina mariculture industry 1 carolina aquaculture development conference, the national sea grant aquaculture symposium, and oyster south, ensuring accessibility to shellfish farmers from underserved communities. Project abstract: development of an online compliance portal and policy review for the north carolina mariculture industry 2