Agency Partners

Oregon State University has been able to collaborate with agencies to expand research and educational opportunities in aquaculture. Learn more about our aquaculture partners and view their websites below.

Oregon Sea Grant

Established at Oregon State University in 1971, Oregon Sea Grant is one of 34 programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Sea Grant College Program, which Congress created in 1966. We are funded by federal and state appropriations, as well as project-specific contributions from local governments and industry.

We address regionally and nationally strategic issues through an integrated program of competitive, rigorously reviewed research, public outreach and engagement, and ocean and coastal education. Oregon’s marine resource users are key partners to the program. We support dynamic, inventive, and flexible approaches to meet the needs of communities in changing natural and social environments.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was established in July 1, 1975 under the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission consisting of seven members appointed by the governor for four-year terms. The mission of the agency is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. Additionally, the agency works through a regional management structure that allows for fish and wildlife management at the local, watershed level. ODFW operates a variety of facilities designed to enhance fish and wildlife resources, including fish hatcheries, wildlife areas, public shooting grounds, hunting and fishing access sites and several research stations.

Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA)

The Oregon Department of Agriculture upholds the responsibility of promoting and regulating food production and safety in the state of Oregon, specifically regarding the implementation, administration, and enforcement of department programs, as well as the development of department policies designed to improve the agricultural industry in the State. The ODA serves the changing needs of Oregon’s diverse agricultural and food sectors to maintain and enhance a healthy natural resource base and strong economy in rural and urban communities across the state.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA is providing leadership to ensure that a healthy, competitive, and sustainable aquaculture sector can produce an abundant, safe, and affordable supply of seafood products. USDA scientists support and conduct research that develop new aquaculture technologies and systems that maintain healthy ecosystems, evaluate aquatic animal health, and inform consumers on the healthfulness and sustainability of responsible aquaculture production. Our aquaculture research, education, and extension activities also create jobs and train a skilled workforce in rural communities.

 

USDA Agricultural Resources Service 

The Agricultural Resources Service at Hatfield is developing methods to improve the survival and maximize the productivity and sustainability of Pacific shellfish aquaculture.

The West coast shellfish culture industry represents oyster, clam and mussel growers from Alaska to California and generates an estimated $100 million dollars in gross annual sales. Nevertheless, domestic production does not meet national demand and this trade imbalance is expected to grow.

Oysters are farmed intensively on the west coast using a number of techniques like longlines and represent about 60% of the total value of farmed shellfish product.

Department of Land Conservation Development

The Oregon coast stretches 362 miles and is home to 33 coastal cities and dozens of smaller unincorporated communities. Drawing scores of visitors each year, the coast is an important part of Oregon's economy, not just for its tourism value, but for its ports, fisheries, and canneries. Oregon is not unique in this regard. Almost every coastal state relies upon its coastal resources as a major economic driver.

Recognizing the value of our coasts, Congress created the National Coastal Zone Management Program in 1972. This program consists of voluntary partnerships between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and coastal states and territories in which a state or university program takes the lead to manage these special places with assistance from NOAA. In Oregon, DLCD has the responsibility of working closely with our network of local, state, federal, and tribal partners to protect coastal resources and maintain thriving coastal communities. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association(NOAA)

NOAA has marine aquaculture research capabilities at in-house laboratories within NOAA Fisheries and the National Ocean Service. We also have research and extension capabilities through state Sea Grant programs. The research explores a wide spectrum of relevant aquaculture issues. These include the culture of specific species, life-cycle analysis, alternative feeds, ocean acidification, and potential habitat benefits and impacts.