State-of-the-Art Aquaculture Research Facility Opens on Bay Campus

This fall URI will proudly open its new 6,000-square-foot Blount Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology Laboratory dedicated to aquaculture research and marine biotechnology. Located on the Narragansett Bay Campus, the $2.3 million facility includes state-of-the-art laboratories for fish and shellfish culture, a pathology lab for the investigation of diseases, and another lab for rearing live feed for the resident fish. A conference room will enable faculty, students, and other researchers to gather to discuss their work.

The aquaculture research facility features a high-tech water processing system that can circulate both fresh water and incoming sea water from the Bay. Researchers can control the temperature and salinity of the water to obtain the exact conditions necessary for their experiments. Prior to the new building’s construction, the aquaculture labs at the university’s East Farm site had to rely on sea water being trucked in from the Bay.

"We’re all looking forward to working in the new building," says Terence Bradley, URI fisheries, animal and veterinary science professor. "It represents a significant expansion and advance in our program by giving us the conditions we need to pursue truly cutting-edge research."

Research at the new facility will support the state’s growing aquaculture industry and enhance opportunities for collaboration between the university and biotechnology companies. Funding for the project came in part from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the efforts of Sen. Claiborne Pell. The project also received a $300,000 donation from shipbuilder Luther Blount of Warren, R.I., as well as contributions from several other aquaculture firms in the state. The architect for the project is Vision III Architects of Providence.

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