Our Work
Sustainable Seafood
Media
Funding
Shellfish Management Plan
Media
About
Seafood is the cornerstone of the cultural and economic fabric of the Ocean State.
Through network building and collaboration, our fisheries and aquaculture specialists connect industry and consumers with the best available science to build vibrant local markets for Rhode Island fishery and aquaculture products through ecosystem-based management practices, as well as continue its commitment to provide training for safe seafood processing.
Mission
To build a vibrant local seafood economy that is safe and sustainable through effective, ecosystem-based management practices.
Focus Areas
FISHERIES
While up to 90% of seafood is currently imported into the U.S., Sea Grant works to support U.S. fisheries by connecting people with locally harvested bounty and by supporting those who provide it.
AQUACULTURE
Commercial aquaculture complements wild fisheries’ contribution to the seafood supply local, regionally, and nationally. Sea Grant works to ensure resources remain safe and sustainable and conflicts are managed effectively.
Safe seafood
Offer annual USDA-mandated training in the application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles to the safe processing of seafood.
Meet Our Team
Azure Cygler
Fisheries & Aquaculture Specialist
Tel: (401) 874-6197
E-mail: acygler@uri.edu
Robbie Hudson
Fisheries & Aquaculture Specialist
Tel: (401) 874-6218
E-mail: rhudson@uri.edu
Nicole Richard
Seafood Safety Specialist
Tel: (401) 874-2977 | E-mail: nicolerichard@uri.edu
Funding
Partnership for Research Excellence in Sustainable Seafood (PRESS)
Do you have a concern or idea regarding Rhode Island’s seafood?
If you are a member of the Rhode Island seafood industry – a processor, harvester, grower, wholesaler, retailer, or other seafood business – funding is available for research projects to address issues you may be facing.
The new Partnership for Research Excellence in Sustainable Seafood (PRESS) is a $1 million, four-year effort, established through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and run by the University of Rhode Island
The program aims to identify issues of concern and to respond directly with grants funded through a rapid response mechanism. A coordinating committee most familiar with these issues includes academic institutions; state, federal and non-governmental agencies; and industry experts in fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood in Rhode Island.
The goal of the initiative is to provide a mechanism of funding allowing a nimble and rapid response to critical issues in the seafood sector through interdisciplinary collaborative research encompassing the seafood industry, academic institutions, state and federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations.
Proposals with the potential to positively impact the Rhode Island seafood system by identifying and addressing emerging and pressing issues affecting that system will be considered. The goal of the funding is to complement, build upon, or enhance (not duplicate) other sources of federal, state, or private funding.
Therefore, priority will be given to projects that provide a strong rationale of need and address urgent concerns facing the Rhode Island seafood system but are challenged to find funding elsewhere. Two types of funding requests will be considered:
** Proposals can be submitted anytime and will be reviewed by topic-related experts to determine which projects will be funded.
HACCP Training
Keeping Seafood Safe
Rhode Island’s seafood is more than a local delicacy—it’s a cornerstone of the state’s economy, culture, and food security. From oysters and quahogs to squid and scup, the industry sustains jobs, supports coastal communities, and connects consumers directly to the ocean. Its success depends on one essential ingredient: confidence in the safety and quality of what ends up on your plate.
To ensure high standards of quality and safety, Sea Grant’s Seafood HACCP Alliance (SHA) training program trains seafood processors how to apply Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles—the foundation of seafood safety regulations in the U.S.
Media
Aquaculture Deep Dive Series
Rhode Island’s Shared Waters
Aquaculture Conflict Resolution
Seaweed Aquaculture in Rhode Island
Tour of Hog Island Oyster Farm
Shellfish Shorts
Rhode Island Sea Grant created a series of videos to highlight the state’s shellfish resource and economy.
Episode 1: How to Shuck
Episode 2: Digging for Dollars
Episode 3: Oyster Flavor
Episode 4: Enjoying Shellfish Safely
Episode 5: The Science of Shellfish Safety
Shellfish Management Plan
Beginning in January 2013, wild harvest, aquaculture, and restoration communities worked together to define key issues to help guide the state’s first shellfish management plan, along with science recommendations, to ensure sound management of shellfish resources into the future.
RI Sea Grant, in collaboration with multiple partners, facilitated the creation of the Rhode Island Shellfish Management Plan (SMP) adopted in 2014.
This document provides comprehensive policy guidance regarding management and protection measures for shellfish, such as quahogs and oysters, located in state marine waters.