The Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA) is
one of five regional aquaculture centers in the United States established by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. The regional aquaculture centers integrate individual
and institutional expertise and resources in support of commercial aquaculture
development.
CTSA was established in 1986 and is jointly administered by
the Oceanic Institute and the University of Hawaii. The CTSA administrative office
and staff are located at the Oceanic Institute's Makapu'u Point site on windward
Oahu.
The Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture's mission is to support aquaculture research, development, demonstration and extension education to enhance viable and profitable U. S. aquaculture. Unlike the other centers, which work within a defined geographical region, the CTSA "region" encompasses tropical and subtropical species wherever they are cultured. Research projects span the American Insular Pacific, using its extensive resource base to meet the needs and concerns of the tropical aquaculture industry.