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 National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Hawaii $934,771 on September 15, 2026, under the Regional Aquaculture Center Program (CFDA 10.271) to support aquaculture research, development, demonstration, and extension education across Hawaii and the American Insular Pacific.

The Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA), administered by the University of Hawaii at Manoa, uses these funds to support approximately six research and extension projects annually that develop and transfer new and adapted aquaculture technology to regional industries. Projects are selected through expert panel review to ensure scientific rigor and direct or indirect economic benefit to aquaculture producers in the CTSA region. The CTSA Board of Directors, Industry Advisory Council, and Technical Committee oversee project development and track progress toward the center's mission of enhancing viable and profitable U.S. aquaculture production.

Performance occurs in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a period of performance from September 15, 2026, through September 14, 2031. The Regional Aquaculture Center Program supports five regional centers nationwide; CTSA operates as one of five federally funded centers established under the Food Security Act of 1985. Indirect costs and tuition remission are not allowable under this assistance type.

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. Administered by the university of hawaii, CTSA will fund research and extension initiatives/activities that develop and transfer new and adapted technology to industries across hawaii and the american insular pacific. 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 key foundations for aquaculture growth and to tackle obstacles to the further development of the industry in our region. Each year, CTSA funds about 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 or indirectly enhance economic opportunities for aquaculture producers in the CTSA region.