UH-Hilo aquaculture center marks 10th anniversary

The oyster and ornamental fish farming program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Hundreds of students have gained hands-on experience at the 9-acre Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center in Keaukaha, according to a UH news release.

“They’ve learned everything about aquaculture production, everything from the hatchery, where we might produce juvenile fish or juvenile oysters, everything up to the actual farming of these organisms,” said associate professor Maria Haws, the center’s director.

Besides training workers and researchers, the center is helping to develop sustainable seafood production.

“We import 80 percent of our seafood in Hawaii. What could be more important than trying to be more self-reliant in food and also conservation?” said Haws. “Almost everything we do in aquaculture has a tie to conservation if not directly influencing conservation efforts.”

UH Hilo has the only four-year aquaculture program in the state, and the center has the only facility dedicated to aquaculture and coastal management education, research and outreach to the community and industry.