2008 - 2010 Northeast Aquaculture Extension Network (NAEN)

The Northeast Aquaculture Extension Network (NAEN) is an assemblage of extension professionals from Land and Sea Grant Institutions, state and private universities, and outreach associations throughout the Northeast region of the U.S. The NAEN has an extensive working history with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service (USDA CSREES) Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center (NRAC), and has just recently revitalized the NAEN with a new work plan and new members from Maine to West Virginia.

The goal of the project put forth by the Northeast Aquaculture Extension Network is to produce and deliver accurate and credible science-based aquaculture information, educational materials and outreach activities to stakeholders in a manner that is efficient and effective. The primary audience we serve is practicing, new and prospective producers, as well as wholesalers and retailers, state and regional industry associations, resource managers, elected and appointed officials, educators, students and Extension professionals who work in areas related to aquatic animal and plant production.

Our vision is that the information and products developed by the NAEN will result in improved stakeholder knowledge and increased public awareness of the social, economic and environmental importance of commercial aquaculture in the Northeast U.S., and will facilitate NRAC’s goal to increase both the value and volume of commercial freshwater and marine aquaculture products.

Current project objectives for 2008-2010 are:

1. To foster interaction, communication and collaboration among aquaculture stakeholders in the Northeast region of the U.S.

2. To develop two industry workshop series and three hands-on training opportunities for producers

3. To develop twenty technical publications of regional importance to producers

4. To develop three multi-media tutorials to educate producers and other NRAC stakeholders about aquaculture

5. To provide sponsorship funds for meetings of regional importance to producers

6. To organize one professional development opportunity for Extension professionals and other individuals that serve in an outreach capacity

7. To evaluate the effectiveness of the resources and tools produced by the Northeast Aquaculture Extension Network

For additional information about the NRAC Northeast Aquaculture Extension Network (NAEN), contact

Tessa S. Getchis
Aquaculture Extension Specialist
Connecticut Sea Grant
University of Connecticut
1080 Shennecossett Road
Groton, CT 06340-6048
Phone: (860) 405-9104
Fax (860) 405-9109
Email: tessa.getchis@uconn.edu

Karen Massaro
REP Administrative Assistant
Phone: (860) 405-9128
Email: karen.massaro@uconn.edu

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2006 - 2008 NRAC Regional Extension Project (REP)

NRAC Regional Extension Project Final Report (PDF)

Aquaculture Producer Informational Needs Survey (PDF)

For more information, contact Sharon S. Adams

Last updated: 03/10/2009