NOAA has a long history of supporting various aspects of aquaculture within marine, brackish and freshwater environments. Specifically, NOAA's objectives in this arena include the following:
An important component of this effort is to deliver aquaculture information on assistance and research to state and local governments and industry in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. This goal is being met, in part, by the AIC's development of electronic resources and Web sites that provide current information on aquaculture programs, initiatives, and resources.
The AIC's primary Web site provides information concerning ongoing NOAA funded research, focused information support for specific NOAA aquaculture initiatives, and updates on aquaculture related news. Information on results of past and current research projects funded through the National Marine Aquaculture Initiative under NOAA are also described on this site. Furthermore, the Web site contains links to a number of aquaculture support programs, including the Department of Commerce Small Business Innovation Research Program, the National Marine Fisheries Service Finance Program, and the Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program.
To avoid duplicating aquaculture information already on the Internet, the AIC coordinates its effort with academic programs, such as AquaNIC—a collaborative effort between Auburn and Purdue University. The AIC has also awarded a multi-year grant to further develop this Web site and further the AIC's progress toward remote education and (electronic) extension outreach.
At the international level, two additional Web sites are being hosted by and cooperatively produced through the AIC and NOAA's International Activities Office. The first Web site, known as the United States Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources Aquaculture Panel, highlights panel activities, exchange reports and proceedings from annual meetings. Secondly, the AIC hosts the U.S. version of the China Aquaculture Fishery Web site, which highlights statistics and programs on fisheries and aquaculture in China.
The AIC also leverages its resources for aquaculture information delivery by coordinating projects within the NOAA Regional Libraries system. Several searchable electronic bibliographies (i.e., databases such as the "Tilapia Feeds and Feeding" and "Sustainable Aquaculture") are being maintained at the NOAA Miami Regional Library. These searchable databases were developed jointly by the Miami library and AIC staff. The databases are updated annually and will soon be expanded to include additional aquaculture (and other related) information.
Finally, the AIC provides traditional reference and referral services via phone and e-mail. (In-depth reference support and assistance is available to NOAA staff working on aquaculture and related initiatives). Please feel free to contact Eileen McVey, the AIC's librarian, by e-mail if you have any questions or would like additional information about the Center.
Relevant Web Sites
Aquaculture Information Center
NOAA's Aquaculture Policy and Implementation Plan.
Build Sustainable Fisheries initiative
NOAA's International Activities Office
China Aquaculture Fishery Web site
Media Contact:
March 6, 2002 — The NOAA Central Library—well known for its treasured photo collection and its comprehensive collection on oceanographic and atmospheric information—established an Aquaculture Information Center (AIC) in early 2001. The AIC was created as part of NOAA's Aquaculture Policy and Implementation Plan.
NOAA Central Library
Greg Hernandez, NOAA, (202) 482-3091