The center for tropical and subtropical aquaculture (ctsa) is one of five regional aquaculture centers (racs) established under the food security act of 1985 (subtitle l, SEC. 1475 [d]). The mission…

The University of Hawaii at Manoa received a $934,420 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants program (CFDA 10.200) for the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA), effective September 15, 2025 through September 14, 2030. CTSA, one of five congressionally established Regional Aquaculture Centers, supports applied research, development, demonstration, and extension education activities that advance viable and profitable U.S. aquaculture operations in Hawaii and U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.

Under this award, CTSA will cultivate and fund an average of six research projects annually through a region-wide, multi-institutional approach designed to address industry growth impediments and develop technology solutions for aquaculture producers. All projects undergo expert panel review to ensure scientific rigor and direct or indirect economic benefit to regional aquaculture stakeholders. Project governance is overseen by CTSA's Board of Directors, Industry Advisory Council, and Technical Committee to track accomplishments and ensure alignment with the center's mission to enhance viable aquaculture development and technology transfer in the tropical and subtropical regions served.

The center for tropical and subtropical aquaculture (ctsa) is one of five regional aquaculture centers (racs) established under the food security act of 1985 (subtitle l, SEC. 1475 [d]). The mission of ctsa, like that of the other racs, is to support aquaculture research, development, demonstration, and extension education to enhance viable and profitable U.S. Aquaculture. Under this project, ctsa, which is administered by the university of hawaii, will cultivate and support research and extension activities that in turn will develop and transfer new and adapted technology to industry in hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated pacific islands (usapi). The board of directors, the industry advisory council, and the technical committee oversee project development and help track accomplishments toward ctsa's stated mission. We use a region-wide and multi-institutional approach to establish essential research teams for aquaculture development and/or to tackle problems that are impeding the growth of the aquaculture industry in the usapi. Each year, ctsa funds an average of six projects through the grant we receive from the U.S. Department of agriculture's national institute of food and agriculture (nifa). Each project is reviewed by a panel of experts to ensure its approach is scientifically sound and its results will directly and/or indirectly enhance economic opportunities for aquaculture producers in the region.