The Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) of the Department of
Agriculture provides a wide range of support for Hawaii's aquaculture
industry. ADP is a planning, development and problem-solving
organization, whose goals are to get production and service businesses
started, and once started - to help ensure their success through active
assistance. Major areas of assistance include:
Planning
and Coordination
ADP continually assesses progress in Hawaii's aquaculture industry
and recommends plans and policies to enhance development and improve
the business climate. The Program encourages sister agencies to
consider Hawaii's enormous potential for sustainable aquaculture
expansion in carrying out their statutory functions, and represents the
State in national and international forums.
Information Dissemination
ADP provides a wide variety of current information of such important
subjects as species identification and culture technologies, product
and service markets, government regulations, and the costs of doing
business in Hawaii. The Program maintains a national and international
network of strategic partners and sources to tap for the latest
industry information.
Business
Counseling
ADP helps in the preparation and review of business plans; advises
on Federal, State and County permit requirements, financing sources and
locating suitable sites; and offers technical assistance to improve
farm operational efficiency and profitability.
Marketing
ADP assists in the promotion of locally grown products, research and
technology transfer services and investment opportunities through:
direct marketing and assistance to local, national, and international
media; staging promotional exhibits; publication of recipes and
brochures; and carrying out public relations with the industry. The
Program also acts as a clearinghouse to put potential customers in
touch with producers and consultants.
Animal
Health Management
ADP employs an Aquaculture Veterinary Medical Officer and technical
staff, who advise on maintaining healthy stock and growing environments
and treating disease problems, as they occur in the industry. The
Program also provides health certification services to aquatic
livestock exporters, such as those selling specific pathogen-free
shrimp and serves as a technical resource to state officials in charge
of aquatic species importation permitting. In addition an active
applied research effort is maintained to constantly improve the disease
management information base.
Research
and Extension Funding
State project funding is currently focused on providing on-site
statewide, extension services directed towards reducing farm risks,
lowering production costs, and increasing yields. The Program
encourages short-term problematic and applied research by the research
community. Research collaborations and partnering with other public and
private sector groups that fund or carry out research is stressed.
