WHOI Sea Grant awards $1.6 million for aquaculture and fisheries research

WHOI Sea Grant says it has awarded $1.6 million to four new research projects focused on aquaculture and fisheries in Massachusetts.

The announcement, published on April 7, includes funding for work on microbial contamination of clam flats, black sea bass management, oyster overwintering and oyster reef restoration.

One project will study microbial contamination on soft-shell clam flats to help improve shellfish sanitation monitoring. Another will examine the northward movement of black sea bass and its implications for fishery management.

A third project will look at oyster overwintering practices to help growers manage winter-related risks. The fourth will study soundscapes as a way to improve oyster reef settlement and support restoration efforts.

WHOI Sea Grant said the awards were made through its 2026-2027 biennial research competition, which is aimed at sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The program’s request for proposals said it expected to fund several projects over the two-year period.

The funding announcement is a sign of continued investment in marine research with direct relevance for coastal producers, fishery managers and shellfish growers in the region.