FY 2025 regional aquaculture center program section 1475 (directed grant program)

The University of Maryland, College Park received a $934,421 Project Grant from the Institute of Food Production and Sustainability under the Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants program (CFDA 10.200) on September 15, 2025, with a completion date of September 14, 2029. This award supports the FY 2025 Regional Aquaculture Center Program Section 1475 directed grant initiative, which funds applied research addressing critical challenges in U.S. aquaculture development, including genetics, disease management, production systems optimization, climate resilience strategies, and economic constraints affecting the aquaculture industry.

The funded research activities will be conducted at the university's College Park, Maryland campus through the Office of Research Administration & Advancement. The four-year project aligns with the Special Research Grants for Aquaculture Research Program, which supports regional aquaculture centers serving five geographic regions (Southern, North Central, Western, Northeastern, and Tropical/Subtropical) to advance U.S. aquaculture production capabilities and competitiveness. Project deliverables are expected to include research findings, technological innovations, and extension and outreach strategies designed to address industry-identified needs and support the broader federal objective of enhancing food security and agricultural innovation.