© USM
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC) has launched a new aquaculture initiative, aimed at strengthening the Gulf Coast’s aquaculture sector through innovation, workforce training and sustainable practices.
By combining applied research, technological innovation and hands-on workforce training, the initiative seeks to establish a resilient marine aquaculture ecosystem. Partnerships with entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders will support scalable solutions to challenges facing the aquaculture sector.
Dr Kelly Lucas, USM's vice president for research, emphasised the initiative’s contribution to the coastal economy and ecosystem.
“The Marine Aquaculture Demonstration Initiative will not only support Mississippi’s Blue Economy, it will also create jobs, increase seed availability and strengthen our seafood supply chain,” said Lucas in a press release.
Key objectives include supporting entrepreneurs with applied research on species production and delivering workforce training through programmes such as oyster hatchery operations. The initiative is also backed by a National Science Foundation award, supporting a user-focused approach to developing practical aquaculture solutions. Together, these efforts aim to strengthen USM and the Gulf Coast’s role in advancing sustainable aquaculture, from research to production.
Developing oyster aquaculture workforce
Collaboration plays a key role in the initiative, with current partners including the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and Oak Island Oyster Company (OIOC). As part of its workforce development efforts, USM and MDMR have launched the Advanced Seed Production Training Program for graduates of the Mississippi Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Program, combining classroom sessions at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory with hands-on training using a mobile oyster hatchery in Gulfport.
The OIOC has developed a scalable, open-water oyster farming system using suspended cages capable of producing up to one million oysters per acre. The project will showcase high-density, storm-resilient design with the potential for regional expansion. In partnership with the Marine Aquaculture Demonstration Initiative and TCMAC, OIOC is launching a pilot project to demonstrate the system’s production capabilities and structural resilience in the dynamic Gulf environment.
“Partnering with the Marine Aquaculture Demonstration Initiative gives us a unique opportunity to help shape the future of sustainable oyster farming in Mississippi. We’re proud to develop technologies that not only grow our industry but also strengthen the next generation of aquaculture professionals,” said David Dale, owner of OIOC.
Aquaponics in a container
In another industry collaboration, the initiative has joined with the Gulf Blue Initiative, Symbiotic Aquaponic LLC and the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center to create a public aquaponics exhibit – housed in a shipping container.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Marine Aquaculture Demonstration Initiative to advance marine aquaculture innovation through sustainable, technology-driven solutions. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to create resilient food systems and empower local communities through education and entrepreneurship,” said co-founder of Symbiotic Aquaponics, Kaben Smallwood.
