RAS-N Activities

Attendees at the first annual RAS-N workshop, held in Washburn, Wis., in December of 2019. An inset of Dr. Yonathan Zohar attended virtually (see inset).

Formalize a National Network

We will establish a national hub of aquaculture experts, industry partners and Sea Grant programs committed to building our regional and national capacity to support the emerging salmon recirculating aquaculture industry in the U.S. Inter-organizational leadership and work groups provide a mechanism for meeting network goals and objectives.

Gather Stakeholder Input

Each partnering region will gather stakeholder guidance, concerns, ideas, and associated input on gaps in technology, research needs, extension activities, outreach approaches, optimal use of available federal/state funding, and other pertinent topics. The network will collect input through workshops, meetings, surveys, and personal communications to inform and guide network activities, white paper topics, and roadmap development.

Identify Technological and Scientific Gaps and Prioritize Research to Address Bottlenecks

Expanding on stakeholder input, the network will design surveys to identify and prioritize technological and scientific gaps that constrain the industry. RAS-N is not a research platform, but through this process (and its inherent reach to the community of U.S. stakeholders), it can recommend research and development focuses and funding priorities that will best support the Atlantic salmon RAS aquaculture sector. The network will review industry needs to better understand bottlenecks and how to improve industry development, which will guide and support research programs of federal and state agencies, RAS-N partners, collaborators and other research institutions or industry.

Analyze Economic Viability of Atlantic Salmon RAS

A team of economists collaborating with extension, research and industry partners will develop a comprehensive economic analysis of Atlantic salmon RAS. Led by experienced economists from Morgan State University’s PEARL facility and integrating federal, state and private sector experts, this group will generate a thorough report on data collected from economic simulation models to inform the investment community.

Develop a ‘Concept Paper’ on Building Capacity for Atlantic Salmon RAS Production

Experts from industry, academia and federal agencies will provide background on Atlantic salmon production practices, review the state of RAS technology analyze economic feasibility, and examine knowledge and technology gaps and future needs. Partners will prioritize industry needs and assess strategies for improving workforce development, topical education and public engagement. A final draft of the Concept Paper is available here.

Undertake Public Outreach and Workforce Development Efforts

Sea Grant collaborators will work closely with industry and the public to integrate hands-on training opportunities, educational and technical workshops and other programs relevant to sustainable RAS concepts and technologies. Industry needs will drive this process and all efforts will build public awareness about RAS-produced salmon and address specialized skills necessary to support future industry growth.

Use Demonstration Projects to Introduce and Experience Innovative Ideas

Collaborators will introduce approaches and innovations of sustainable RAS in the U.S.

Projects can address one or more of the following:

• Demonstration of available or experimental RAS designs and technologies
• Research programs addressing specific needs and areas of concern outlined by industry partners
• Outreach programs targeting the public and K-12 education
• Career and workforce development programs, technical workshops and training opportunities

Develop a Strategic Plan/Roadmap for Atlantic Salmon RAS in the U.S.

Collaborators will host annual workshops, events, and demonstration projects over three years for initial identification of constraints to land-based Atlantic salmon aquaculture. The road map will assess needs and outline a strategy to better inform policy makers, federal agencies, and industry on future resource allocation and action plans for Atlantic salmon RAS in the U.S.

Work Groups

The activities of RAS-N are carried out by several work groups, described below.