Four aquaculture projects get funding from University of Maryland initiative
Four projects focused on aquaculture on the US state of Maryland are getting funding from the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program.
Two involve automated oyster production, while a third enhances oyster aquaculture by co-harvesting algae as an additional product. The fourth creates a high-value fish feed from Maryland crops.
The MIPS program is an initiative of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland.
This round of MIPS grants, worth $3.3 million, combines $1.3m from MIPS and $2m in cash and in-kind contributions from participating companies. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency provided additional funding.
The four aquaculture projects are:
Hollywood Oyster Company, based in Hollywood, is one of the largest oyster farms in Maryland, which got a grant of $157,880. The company works with Patrick Kangas, associate professor, department of environmental science and technology, University of Maryland, to develop methods for scaling up macroalgae (seaweed) aquaculture to be grown in conjunction with oysters, both as a commercial product and to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.
Hoopers Island Oyster Aquaculture Company, based in Fishing Creek, produces half-shell oysters and the equipment needed to support aquaculture in Maryland. The company got a grant of $511,000. The company works with Yang Tao, professor, Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, to develop a laser 3D machine vision system that sorts Chesapeake Bay-cultured oysters into quality grades.
Metompkin Seafood, based in Crisfield, distributes a variety of seafood products in the Chesapeake Bay region. The company got a grant of $238,676.The company works with Donald Meritt, principal agent, Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, to develop a high-volume, spat-on-shell oyster production system based on remote setting technology
Plant Sensory Systems, based in Baltimore, develops technologies that improve agricultural performance and reduce negative environmental impact.The company got a grant of $135,950. The company works with Allen Place, professor, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, to produce a plant-based aquafeed with low-leaching taurine, a compound required for the development and growth of farmed fish and shellfish
As well as the aquaculture projects, MIPS approved 11 other collaborative technology product development projects, teaming Maryland companies with university researchers.
A technology acceleration program, MIPS grants money, combined with company funds, to faculty engaged in each project.
