ABOUT THE VIMS MARINE ADVISORY PROGRAM
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
A LEADER IN MARINE AQUACULTURE INITIATIVES
The Marine Advisory Program has been a leader in marine aquaculture initiatives across the Commonwealth. Efforts in past years have focused on the production of soft-shell blue crabs and the culture of marine finfish for food, stock enhancement, and live bait. The current focus of MAP aquaculture is supporting the sustainable growth of molluscan shellfish culture.
MAP’s shellfish aquaculture extension specialists offer a statewide advisory program that addresses industry questions and concerns. They interact with state and federal agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and various other groups within Virginia to find solutions and develop applied research projects that advance the shellfish aquaculture industry. These extension services are provided in partnership with Virginia Sea Grant’s Marine Extension Program.
ABOUT VIRGINIA SEA GRANT
TOGETHER FOR VIRGINIA
Virginia Sea Grant is a seven-university, federal-state partnership whose Charter calls for us to enable integration, collaboration, and leveraging of our collective coastal and marine capacity to address pressing societal problems in Virginia, the region and nation. Our federal funding comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with matching funds from the Commonwealth, including the dues that each partner institution pays.
As a broker of scientific information, VASG works with resource managers, businesses, communities, and other stakeholders to provide and apply the best science available.
Our mission combines scientific research, education, and public outreach. Guided by our strategic plan, we work to develop sound ideas and practices that enhance the Bay’s ecology as well as the communities, businesses and jobs that depend on it.
Working with a variety of partners, we act as an “honest broker” to spread science-based, useful, unbiased solutions to a wide audience.
