Our Purpose

Background

Land-based Atlantic salmon production using recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology offers the U.S. aquaculture industry a viable and sustainable means to expand domestic salmon production while increasing biosecurity, minimizing environmental impact, and improving proximity to regional markets.

As of 2022, more than has been invested in U.S. salmon RAS production, including multiple new facilities currently in development and construction. An additional $0.5 billion in investments is expected in the next three years.

Vision

The vision of the Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS²) project is for the U.S. Atlantic salmon industry to achieve environmental sustainability and economic feasibility through stakeholder-driven innovations. By fostering this innovation, this research collaboration will contribute to improved food security and a reduced trade deficit from imported salmon.

Mission

The mission of SAS² is to support the domestic production of Atlantic salmon by engaging with industry stakeholders to identify barriers, bottlenecks, and needs of commercial RAS production, addressing them through research, education, and extension programming. This mission is driven by a commitment to improve our nation’s capacity to support a growing sector of salmon aquaculture.

Goals

Enable an innovative, effective, and sustainable US Atlantic salmon production platform (RAS) to transform US food and aquaculture systems and increase high-quality and affordable salmon production. Our stakeholder-driven approach is to expand recirculating aquaculture systems’ production capacity for Atlantic salmon by fostering innovation in the industry, educating consumers about recirculating systems technology, building a talented workforce, and collaborating with government agencies to improve access and resources.