To expand an aquaculture internship program that will provide opportunities for students to learn skills necessary to succeed in the aquaculture industry

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the Virginia Institute of Marine Science a cooperative agreement worth $524,495 on June 1, 2026, to expand an aquaculture internship program under the Sea Grant Support program (CFDA 11.417).

VIMS will refund its Aquaculture Ambassadors Program to establish internship positions at Virginia Tech's Seafood AREC, Virginia State University's Randolph Farms, and VIMS's Acuff Center. The internships will provide students from Virginia colleges and universities—including HBCUs—training in aquaculture skills and business operations, with the goal of increasing the incoming workforce for Virginia's aquaculture industry.

The award period runs from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028, with place of performance in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, affiliated with the College of William & Mary, serves as the recipient. VIMS will coordinate all aspects of the project in partnership with the Virginia Seafood Council (VASG) as sub-recipient.

Activities

Vasg will refund IT's aquaculture ambassador's program to include positions at virginia tech's seafood arec, virginia state university's randolph farms, and virginia institute of marine science's acuff center. The internship will give students from VA colleges and universities training in relevant aquaculture skills and business operations.

Expected outcomes

This project will provide students will education regarding aquaculture and opportunities therein. IT will also increase the incoming workforce for the aquaculture industry in virginia.

Intended beneficiaries

This proposal will benefit the aquaculture industry and students at hbcus throughout virginia.

Subrecipient activities

Vims will be involved in all aspects of the project in coordination with vasg.