CTSA | Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture

CTSA Project Results: Developing Solutions for Larval Mass Mortality and Stunted Growth at the HOST Park

CTSA FY26 Request for Pre-Proposals

The Request lists the top priority areas and species as identified by industry stakeholders in Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands, as well as instructions for submitting a pre-proposal by the deadline of 5pm HST on Monday, June 8.

CTSA 2025 Project Summaries

Click here to read a 2-page summary of each project that was active during 2025.

One of five Regional Aquaculture Centers under NIFA, USDA

The Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA) is one of five regional aquaculture centers in the United States established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The regional aquaculture centers integrate individual and institutional expertise and resources in support of commercial aquaculture development.

CTSA was established in 1986 and was jointly administered by the University of Hawaii and the Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University until 2018. Now, the CTSA is administered by the University of Hawaii and conducts all operations from the University of Hawaii Campus in Manoa.

National Institute of Food & Agriculture

Aquaculture Service for the Pacific Region, FY2025

Species: Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Extension Support, Information Services View Project

Investigating resistance of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, to a microsporidian pathogen (Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei) using a genomics approach

Species: Shrimp Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Circular Bioeconomy Strategies for the Sustainable Valorization of Hawaiian Seaweed Processing Waste: Recovery of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs)

Species: Macroalgae/Seaweed/Limu Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration View Project

Harnessing Two Decades of Symbiotic Seaweed Farming to Develop Natural Microalgaecides and Pathogen Inhibitors for Sustainable Seaweed and Fish Cultivation

Species: Macroalgae/Seaweed/Limu Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Advancing Commercial Aquaculture of Hawai‘i’s high-Value Endemic Reef Fish: Potter’s Angelfish and Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse

Species: Marine Ornamental Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology View Project

Aquaculture Service for the Pacific Region, FY2024

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Extension Support, Information Services View Project

Workforce Development to Support a Growing Aquaculture Industry

Species: Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Extension Support View Project

Addressing Biosecurity Risks for Hawai’i’s Shellfish Industry

Species: Bivalve Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

GoFish Hawaiʻi: Developing New Opportunities for Integrated Aquaculture in Hawaiʻi

Species: Freshwater Food Fish Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Extension Support, Freshwater Species Farming Technology View Project

Developing Immune Response Assessment Tools and Vaccination Approaches to Enhance Finfish Aquaculture

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Development of Artificial Intelligence-assisted Mobile Robotic Systems for Hawaiian Aquaculture Assessment

Species: Marine Finfish Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Commercializing kyphosids - refining juvenile and grow-out feeds for nenue (Kyphosus vaigiensis) to optimize economic viability

Species: Freshwater Food Fish Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Establishing an Aquaculture Workforce Development Program: Bridging the Education Gap in Hawaii

Species: Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Extension Support View Project

Uncovering Genetic Markers of Thermal Tolerance in Pacific White Shrimp

Species: Shrimp Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Genetics, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Development of an Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture System for Hawaii

Species: Bivalve, Macroalgae/Seaweed/Limu, Shrimp Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Aquaculture Service for the Pacific Region, FY2023

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Extension Support, Information Services View Project

Macroalgal Biomass Production for High-value Product Generation with Nanobubble Technology and Phase-change Materials: Lab-to-Pilot Scale Study

Species: Macroalgae/Seaweed/Limu Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Freshwater Species Farming Technology View Project

Developing Affordable and Efficient Photobioreactor and Biofiltration Systems with Fungal Filters to Grow and Harvest Microalgae

Species: Microalgae Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology View Project

Āholehole - The Next Tilapia?

Species: Freshwater Food Fish Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology View Project

Aquaculture Information Service for the Pacific Region, FY2022

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Information Services View Project

Assessment of Hawaiian Aquaculture for Disease Mitigation and Control

Species: Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Expanding Aquaponics in American Samoa

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Aquaponics, Extension Support View Project

Development of an Immersive Virtual Reality Experience for Increasing Engagement in Aquaculture

Species: Marine Finfish Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Extension Support View Project

Aquaculture Information Service for the Pacific Region, FY2021

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Information Services View Project

Developing a Biofiltration System with Fungal Filters for Sustainable and Economical Harvesting of Microalgae

Species: Microalgae Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Freshwater Species Farming Technology View Project

Development of a State-of-the-art Aquaculture and Aquaponic System: Integrating Biochar Filtration and Nanobubble Technology

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Aquaponics View Project

Next Steps in Culture of Native Hawaiian Macroalgae: Scale-up and Market Analysis, Years 3 and 4

Species: Macroalgae/Seaweed/Limu Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Monitoring Inbreeding for Local Fish Farms by DNA Testing

Species: Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Genetics View Project

Improving Forktail Rabbitfish (Siganus argenteus) Production in the CNMI and the Micronesian Region

Species: Rabbitfish Institution: Northern Marianas College, Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology View Project

Aquaculture Information Service for the Pacific Region, FY2020

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Information Services View Project

Partnering Public Aquariums with Aquaculture Institutions for Rapidly Diversifying Coral Reef Fish Aquaculture in Hawaii

Species: Marine Ornamental Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Extension Support View Project

Advancing Aquatic Animal Health Diagnostic Testing in Hawaii

Species: Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Targeted Disruption of Fish Embryonic Primordial Germ Cell Development for Enhancing Grow-out Performances

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Genetics View Project

Herbivorous Reef Fish Kyphosus vaigiensis: Fishpond and Commercial Potential

Species: Marine Finfish Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University, University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Design of a Harvesting System for the Marine Polychaete, Marphysa sanguinea (Phase 1)

Species: Shrimp Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Demonstration Aquaponics Unit for Formerly Homeless Village

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Extension Support View Project

Aquaculture Information Service for the Pacific Region, FY2019

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Information Services View Project

Upgrading Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal for Aquatic Feeds Using a Sustainable Microbial Process

Species: Feed related Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Examination of Parasitic Infections in Shrimp Populations in Hawaii and Detection of Pathogens in Commonly-used Shrimp Feeds

Species: Shrimp Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Improving Live Feeds Production Efficiency: A Bottom-Up Approach to Increase Marine Finfish Aquaculture Yields

Species: Copepod/Rotifer, Marine Finfish Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Live Feeds, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Aquaculture Information Service for the Pacific Region, FY2018

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Information Services View Project

Establishing cost-effectiveness and efficiency of locally produced feeds and Moi farming technology in the Republic of Marshall Islands

Species: Feed related, Marine Finfish, Moi Institution: Rongelap Atoll Local Government Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration, Feed Development, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

What’s in the gut? A Metabarcoding Approach to Examining Diet in First Feeding Larvae

Species: Feed related, Marine Finfish Institution: Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Technology/Focus: Live Feeds, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Cultivation of Caulerpa, Codium, and Asparagopsis: Trying to tame three Hawaiian macroalgae

Species: Macroalgae/Seaweed/Limu Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Optimizing Coral Grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) Culture to Promote Rapid Commercialization in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands

Species: Coral Grouper, Marine Finfish Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University, Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Diagnosing Prevalent Diseases of Aquacultured Animals in Hawaii

Species: Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Developing Bivalve Farming in Hawaii, Supplemental funding for Years 7 and 8

Species: Bivalve Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Aquaculture Information Service for the Pacific Region, FY2017

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Information Services View Project

Improving the commercial aquaculture feasibility for Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens): Resolving early bottlenecks to improve culture yield, Years 1 to 3

Species: Marine Ornamental Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Development of a Sustainable Aquaculture and Fishery for the Mangrove Crab Scylla serrata Forskal, Years 4 and 5

Species: Crab, Feed related Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University, Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Feed Development, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Culture of a Local Marine Polychaete, Marphysa sanguinea, for Use as a Shrimp Maturation Feed, Years 3 and 4

Species: Feed related, Shrimp Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development, Live Feeds, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

A Shrimp Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for Hawaii

Species: Shrimp Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Improving Cost-effectiveness of Producing Local Aquatic Feed from Papaya Fruit Wastes via Innovative Bioprocessing, Years 1 and 2

Species: Feed related, Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Opihi Aquaculture, Years 5 and 6: Improving Hatchery Technology and Production

Species: Opihi Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Aquaculture Workshop at Oceanic Institute for Students of Waianae High School’s Aquaculture Program, Years 1 and 2

Species: Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Extension Support View Project

Developing Bivalve Farming in Hawaii, Years 6 to 8

Species: Bivalve Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Aquaculture Information Service for the Pacific Region, FY2016

Species: Institution: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Information Services View Project

Cost-Effective, Local Aquatic Feeds for Carnivorous and Omnivorous Fish with Varying Physical Characteristics

Species: Feed related, Moi, Tilapia Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Disease Prevalence Survey of Wild Mud Crab Populations in the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands

Species: Crab Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University, Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Francisella noatunesis subsp. orientalis incidence and genetic assessment of feral Tilapia populations in Hawaii

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Development of Cost-Effective Aquatic Feeds Using Locally Sourced Ingredients

Species: Tilapia Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development, Live Feeds View Project

Improving nursery and grow-out culture of mangrove crab

Species: Crab Institution: Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration, Environment / Conservation, Extension Support, Hatchery Technology View Project

Improving Rabbitfish Seed Production Capacity in Palau

Species: Rabbitfish Institution: Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Extension Support, Hatchery Technology, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Aquaculture of Opihi, Years 3 and 4

Species: Opihi Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology View Project

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture of Shrimp and Sea Cucumbers

Species: Sea Cucumber, Shrimp Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Assuring Oyster Seed Supply for Hawai`i and the West Coast

Species: Bivalve Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: View Project

Utilization of Local Agri-processing by-products to Produce Fungal Protein

Species: Feed related Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Potential of Black Soldier Fly as a Feed Ingredient to Support Hawaiian Aquaculture

Species: Feed related Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Development of Marine Finfish Aquaculture, Aquatic Feeds, and Training in the RMI

Species: Moi, Rabbitfish Institution: Rongelap Atoll Local Government Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Increasing Production and Improving Food Safety for Hawai`i’s New Bivalve Industry

Species: Bivalve Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Establishing coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) production in Palau

Species: Coral Grouper Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University, Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Establishment of Milkfish Fry Production in Palau to Reduce Dependency on Imported Fry

Species: Milkfish Institution: Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Development of Locally Made Commercial Feed for Tilapia Aquaculture in Hawaii

Species: Feed related, Tilapia Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Natural whole-cell oil microcapsules as innovative enrichment diets for live feeds Years 1 and 2

Species: Feed related Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Feed Development, Live Feeds View Project

Aquaculture Potential of Hawaiian Polychaetes for Use as a Shrimp Maturation Feed

Species: Shrimp Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Developing Strategies For the Prevention and Mitigation of Francisella in Tilapia in Hawaii

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Utilization of Locally Available Algae in the Culture of the Ezo Abalone and Opihi in Hawaii

Species: Abalone Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Development of Local Feeds to Support Sustainable Aquaculture in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands

Species: Feed related Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Developing diets for Hawaii cultured abalone with normal shell color and high growth performance

Species: Abalone Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Feed Development View Project

Establishing Bivalve Farming in Hawai`i

Species: Bivalve Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Genetics, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Economic Analyses of Aquaponic Systems in Hawaii and Guam

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration View Project

Pacific Aquaculture Development and Extension Support in the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands

Species: Pearl Oyster, Sea Cucumber Institution: College of Micronesia Technology/Focus: Extension Support View Project

Mitigating the Diseases of Freshwater Cultured Fish Species in Hawaii and the Pacific Region

Species: Freshwater Food Fish Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Aquaponics for Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific Islands: Technology Refinement and Transfer

Species: Tilapia Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration, Freshwater Species Farming Technology View Project

Pacific Aquaculture Development and Extension Support for the FSM

Species: Crab, Pearl Oyster Institution: College of Micronesia Technology/Focus: Extension Support View Project

Seed Production of Mangrove Crab (Scylla serrata Forskal) in Palau

Species: Crab Institution: Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology View Project

Broodstock Management, Seed Production and Grow-out of Rabbitfish, Siganus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1

Species: Rabbitfish Institution: Palau Community College Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Marine Finfish Aquaculture Development in the Northern Marianas Islands

Species: Marine Finfish Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Extension Support, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Culturing Native Species of Macroalgae in Hawai`i and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands

Species: Macroalgae/Seaweed/Limu Institution: University of Hawaii at Hilo Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Assessing Hawaii‘s Aquaculture Farm and Industry Performance, Years 1 and 2

Species: Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration View Project

Value Added Approach for Tuna Fish Roe: Local Ingredient for Shrimp Maturation Diet?

Species: Shrimp Institution: University of Guam Technology/Focus: Extension Support, Feed Development View Project

Sea Cucumber Hatchery Production Technology Transfer in Pohnpei, the Federated States of Micronesia,

Species: Sea Cucumber Institution: College of Micronesia Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration, Extension Support View Project

Determining aquaculture bottlenecks of Pacific threadfin (Polydactylus sexfilis)

Species: Moi Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Hatchery Technology, Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Improving Outputs in Commercial-Scale Production of Swordtails in Hawaii, Year 2

Species: Freshwater Ornamentals Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Freshwater Species Farming Technology View Project

Artificially Propagating the Feather-Duster Worm (Sabellastarte spectabilis) for the Marine Ornament

Species: Marine Ornamental Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Shrimp Production Demonstration Project and Aquaculture Training for Industry Stakeholders CNMI

Species: Shrimp Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration View Project

Kahala Broodstock Management

Species: Amberjack Institution: Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Inter-Institutional Coordination and Preparation of a Guam Aquaculture Development Plan

Species: Institution: University of Guam Technology/Focus: Economic Development / Demonstration View Project

Developing Bivalve Culture to Diversify and Position Hawaii as a Supplier of Safe, Premium, Edible S

Species: Bivalve Institution: University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program Technology/Focus: Marine Species Farming Technology View Project

Kahala Parasites and Shrimp Viruses of Concern to Pacific Aquaculture

Species: Amberjack, Shrimp Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa Technology/Focus: Disease Management View Project

Regions

The Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA) is one of five regional aquaculture centers in the United States established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Regions

Our Projects

CTSA’s research, extension, and education efforts have resulted in the growth of the aquaculture industry in the Pacific Islands and beyond. The Center’s impacts are wide-ranging and include disease mitigation, sustainable aquatic feeds development, and propagation of new species, just to name a few.

Our Projects

Farmer Outreach

Without aquaculture farmers, there would be no aquaculture industry. To help support these critical links in the production chain, CTSA has created the Farmers Outreach section of this website. This section features information on research, extension, and outreach resources for Pacific Island Farmers.

Farmer Outreach