42 



about 1 inch where they have a good chance of survival over the 

 winter, are released into the waters to increase the natural popu- 

 lations. The other one-half are retained by the trainees to be grown 

 up to market size, sold, and in that way begin their business. 



Additionally, there is a research component that is establishing 

 a genetic marker for that particular species of bay scallop so that 

 we can track our enhancement efforts. The final component of the 

 program develops curriculum for other towns and communities, 

 and for high schools who wish to begin aquaculture education pro- 

 grams. 



With this program, we are not only expanding the economic base 

 of Nantucket; we are also enhancing the fisheries and establishing 

 shellfishing on Nantucket for as much as 25 percent of the popu- 

 lation of Nantucket. Combining the aquaculture development with 

 the fisheries enhancement enlisted the support of the fisherman, 

 the commercial fisherman there, which historically were the most 

 vocal opponents of aquaculture. 



Marine aquaculture is capital intensive and site specific. Several 

 years are needed for establishment of a successful project. This pro- 

 gram gives fisherman and others the opportunity to start an aqua- 

 culture business. It supports the effort with research and develop- 

 ment programs, and it is designed to be self-sufficient after several 

 years. 



Viewed as a model, the Nantucket aquaculture program can be 

 expanded to other species and communities. There has interest 

 been expressed from the entire east coast, and particular oppor- 

 tunity exists especially to transfer to sea scallop aquaculture with 

 the New Bedford and Gloucester fishing community. NOAA pro- 

 grams could provide seed money for development projects such as 

 this. Combining town and private resources with Federal develop- 

 ment moneys benefits all. The initial development risk can be low- 

 ered with Federal support, while the project can have the advan- 

 tage of sound business practices offered by the private industry. 

 Once the development stage is completed, private capital can take 

 over for commercial expansion. 



For example, site-specific pilot projects on sea scallop aqua- 

 culture could be undertaken concurrently with hatchery technique 

 research and other applied research and enhancement projects, on 

 a small scale, to develop the effectiveness of them. Marine finfish: 

 again it will require facilities to work and develop aquaculture 

 practices for different species and enhancement projects. 



As in Nantucket, seed money from Government could combine 

 with private industry to operate development commercialization 

 programs and research new species and methods for aquaculture 

 enhancement. Private industry is willing to invest in the develop- 

 ment of aquaculture. NOAA could encourage this private involve- 

 ment by offering incentives, matching funds, and developing appro- 

 priate support services. 



Sea Grant must receive funding to develop research and exten- 

 sion programs from marine aquaculture. Additionally, Sea Grant 

 institutions should be encouraged to increase their outreach efforts 

 working with other organizations. Legislatively, marine aqua- 

 culture must have a coherent national policy for development. Co- 

 ordination between all regulatory agencies. State and Federal, is 



