The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) offers an MA/MS degree in Aquaculture through the Divisions of Marine Affairs & Policy and Marine Biology & Fisheries.  An interdivisional Ph.D. degree is also offered. The Aquaculture Program focuses on technological, environmental and economical feasibility of sustainable aquaculture operations. Emphasis is put on technology and management strategies for sustainable aquaculture development, including marine fish and crustacean aquaculture, environmental issues and project development.  The program is currently attended by graduate students from several countries.  Dr. Daniel D. Benetti, Associate Professor and program's director, is involved in sustainable aquaculture projects in the U.S., Australia, the Caribbean, Latin American, European and Asian countries. He is the scientific coordinator and technical advisor for Snapperfarm Offshore Aquaculture in Puerto Rico and the Aquaculture Center of the Florida Keys Marine Fish Hatchery. 

The Vision of the Aquaculture Program at RSMAS - University of Miami

The Aquaculture Program of RSMAS -University of Miami is spearheading research and development in the emerging fields of hatchery technology and offshore aquaculture. The program is driven by the scientific and technological needs of the industry as well as the environmental and regulatory concerns of the government agencies, NGO's, environmentalists and the public at large. We are leading hatchery technology and demonstration projects of offshore aquaculture of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. We are working closely with the industry as well as Federal and State agencies and NGO's to ensure that environmental concerns are addressed in aquaculture projects. We have been playing a strong role in regulatory issues as well. In essence, we rely on science and technology to assist in developing an environmentally sustainable and economically viable industry that brings social and economical benefits while producing most needed fish products to meet an ever increasing demand. We have been successfully addressing controversial issues throughout all stages of fish farming, from egg to market. We are committed to: develop technology for native species only; not using genetically modified organisms (GMO's); using probiotics as alternative to antibiotics and drugs at the hatcheries; pushing towards increased feeding efficiencies using high quality feeds and optimized farming management practices (data from our projects show that modern offshore aquaculture is 3.7 times more efficient than nature in transforming small fish such as menhaden into larger carnivorous fish such as cobia for human consumption); working with feeds companies to develop environmentally friendly aquafeeds to minimize or eliminate reliance on fish meal; testing and using advanced methods and equipments that can stand the elements and be used in unprotected areas offshore; developing projects in the open ocean - where oligotrophic oceanic waters, sandy bottom, strong currents, greater depth and the carrying capacity of the ocean reduce nutrient pollution to insignificant levels; conducting environmental impact studies to determine any changes in the bottom and water column in the areas where aquaculture operations are being developed; determining optimum production levels per unit area/volume that can be maintained without incurring negative environmental impact; research on zero effluent, no discharge recirculating systems using suspended solids and heterotrophic bacteria as biofilter media for shrimp and fish culture. Beyond economics, the development of a low impact productive industry that can reduce the $ 10 billion annual US seafood trade deficit may become a matter of national food security soon.

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