RWU Upgrades Shellfish Hatchery and Farm, Expanding Impact on Rhode Island’s Blue Economy
CEED is strengthening Rhode Island’s coastal communities by fueling sustainable growth of the blue economy.
BRISTOL, R.I. – The Luther H. Blount Shellfish Hatchery at ӰƵ University’s (CEED) is running at full capacity, boasting upgrades to the indoor hatchery facility, and a newly approved expansion of its experimental shellfish farm. Those improvements, combined with CEED’s aquatic diagnostics laboratory and a strong educational mission, make RWU a driving force in marine conservation and the aquaculture industry in Rhode Island.
Thanks to generous, long-term support from the Shellfish Restoration Foundation of Narragansett Bay, CEED has made substantial technological upgrades, including a full plumbing redesign and rebuild; installation of advanced seawater treatment systems; and improvements to the microalgal greenhouse and culture facility. In addition, the number of RWU’s dockside upwellers, an important nursery system used to grow shellfish, has doubled from three to six, and the experimental farm has been expanded to nearly two acres. Through these advancements to CEED’s facilities, the Blount Hatchery is raising millions of oyster and clam larvae, many of which are destined for restoration and public seeding efforts.
The enhancements allow CEED – established in 1997 by Mark Gould, Professor of Biology and Founding CEED Director – to grow more species including oysters, quahogs, and scallops, while developing sustainable methods that protect the local marine ecosystem.
“We’re delighted that the hatchery season is off to a great start. From the beginning, our shellfish program has been at the heart of our operations, where ӰƵ University scientists and student researchers develop aquaculture innovation and marine-conservation solutions for Rhode Island’s blue economy,” said Timothy Scott, former CEED Director and Professor of Marine Biology.
Leading in the Blue Economy
As RWU celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Marine Biology program this year, this increased momentum in aquaculture and marine science initiatives ties directly into Rhode Island’s blue economy, a sector focused on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean health.
CEED’s mission is to serve as a resource for marine industries by providing research and support for the local shellfish industry and developing rapid detection for aquatic animal disease affecting local coastal communities, while also addressing issues with aquatic organisms in the global trade.
At the center of those efforts is the Blount Shellfish Hatchery. The hands-on classroom and research hub includes a molecular diagnostics laboratory to monitor animals and seawater, a microbiology research laboratory, and an experimental aquaculture and aquarium science facility, making it a launchpad for innovation in sustainable aquaculture and a training ground for our students to become the next leaders in marine science innovation and conservation.
“Our hatchery operations have always been linked to the larger landscape of blue economy and blue biotechnology, making an impact not just in Rhode Island but also globally,” said Koty Sharp, CEED Director and Associate Professor of Marine Biology. “ӰƵ University has a unique combination of assets, where we can support the full life cycle of ecologically and economically important shellfish all right here on our campus.”
CEED’s experimental aquaculture farm also provides a space where local farmers can come to collaborate, test grow-out techniques, and test-run developing underwater technologies.
“If there are specific questions that farmers, agencies, or startups might have, we can work with them directly – our students, staff, and faculty collaborate on research with them to develop solutions,” said Malcolm Bowen, CEED Aquaculture Field Operations Manager.
CEED’s academic applications also include public engagement with issues about oyster farming and the wider ecological benefits of oysters. This initiative involves reviving public upwellers, like in Warren, R.I., where the community can see oysters and learn more about their role in cleaning water and supporting marine biodiversity.
A Full-Circle Learning Experience
At RWU, students aren't just learning in classrooms – they are growing oysters, clams, fish, shrimp, and coral; they are developing new methods for monitoring and detecting microbes in seawater and animals; and they are presenting their research at national conferences. From their first days in a Marine Biology or Biology program, students get hands-on learning opportunities in CEED’s aquaculture laboratories and facilities.
“Students join our labs and do authentic research either as part of their coursework or in paid positions,” said Rob Holmberg, CEED Shellfish Aquaculture and Hatchery Specialist and Assistant Professor of Biology.
The on-the-docks learning is as dynamic and real-world as it gets. “Unlike a traditional lab, you're exposed to the local environment and all its variables,” said Bowen. “It's a perfect translation of technical biology into the real world.”
“It feels great to be part of something and not just learning in the classroom,” said Hennessey Cook, a senior majoring in Marine Biology with a minor in Environmental Science and Spanish from Old Saybrook, Conn. “It’s a lot easier to grasp the importance of everything I’m learning when I’m actually seeing what it’s being used for.”