As the nation's oceans agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) takes a thorough approach to sustainable aquaculture that will create employment and business opportunities in coastal communities; provide safe, sustainable seafood; and complement the agency's comprehensive strategy for maintaining healthy and productive marine populations, species, and ecosystems and vibrant coastal communities. This approach will be based on previous work, as well as on a new national policy.

Since 2008, NOAA has been expanding its national Aquaculture Program to include regional representation through the NOAA Fisheries regional offices in Florida (Southeast), Massachusetts (Northeast), California (Southwest), and Washington State (Northwest). NOAA's regional aquaculture coordinators provide a direct connection to and from the agency's national program on key regional issues.

Dr. Laura Hoberecht, NOAA's Northwest Regional Aquaculture Coordinator, works out of NOAA Fisheries' Seattle, Wash., office. Her area includes Oregon, Washington and Idaho. As the regional coordinator, Dr. Hoberecht focuses on marine aquaculture, including shellfish and other invertebrates, finfish, and plants.

Marine species farmed in this region for commercial purposes include oysters, clams, mussels, geoducks and salmon for human consumption, and seaweed for bioceuticals. Aquaculture also supports conservation efforts in the Northwest, with salmon and abalone stock rebuilding and oyster restoration. NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center conducts aquaculture related research to provide critical information for managers and develop new technologies.

For more information, contact NOAA's Regional Aquaculture Coordinator:   Laura Hoberecht, Ph.D., 206-526-4453.