Activities and Accomplishments

During the reporting period, committee members worked to establish a foundation for a coordinated, multi-state aquatic foods research and extension network. Activities focused on identifying shared research priorities among participating institutions, matching expertise across states, and forming working groups to address common challenges and opportunities. Committee members also reviewed potential funding opportunities through Northeast SARE, USDA NIFA, Sea Grant, and other relevant programs, while developing proposal concepts and timelines for future collaborative submissions.

Additional activities included expanding research related to regulatory barriers affecting aquatic food commercialization. Members continued reviews of regulatory frameworks related to European green crab utilization and initiated compilation of seaweed regulatory information to identify policy gaps and research needs. To support future collaboration, the committee also began developing an inventory of ongoing research and extension projects to identify complementary efforts, reduce duplication, and facilitate coordination across institutions.

Outputs

Key outputs generated during the reporting period included:

• Formation of multi-state working groups focused on aquatic foods research and extension priorities.
• Identification of shared research themes, including byproduct utilization, seaweed safety, invasive species products, and aquaculture sustainability.
• Compilation of preliminary information on regulatory requirements and policy considerations for seaweed product development.
• Development of a framework for a regional inventory of aquatic foods research and extension activities.
• Identification of potential funding opportunities and collaborative proposal concepts.

Short-Term Outcomes

As a result of these activities, participating institutions strengthened communication and collaboration around emerging aquatic food opportunities. Committee members identified areas of overlapping expertise and research interest, improving coordination and reducing potential duplication of effort. The development of shared priorities and working groups increased readiness for multi-state grant proposals and collaborative projects. Stakeholders, including researchers, extension professionals, industry representatives, and regulatory agencies, benefited from increased information exchange regarding commercialization opportunities, regulatory challenges, and research needs within the aquatic foods sector.

Plans for the Coming Year

Over the next year, the committee plans to initiate multi-state pilot projects focused on aquatic food byproduct utilization, seaweed safety, invasive species product development, and aquaculture sustainability. Members will also develop extension and outreach resources, including regulatory guidance documents, industry fact sheets, food safety training materials, and commercialization toolkits to support stakeholder decision-making.

The committee will continue building regional data-sharing and collaboration networks by exchanging methodologies, coordinating outreach efforts, and pursuing joint funding opportunities. These efforts are intended to support the long-term goal of establishing a sustained aquatic foods collaboration network that advances research, extension, stakeholder engagement, and commercialization of underutilized species, seaweed products, byproduct ingredients, and sustainable aquaculture innovations.