Center for Fisheries Engineering Research

Objectives:1. Assist the New England fishing industry by providing information and technical expertise on fisheries engineering.2. To assist in the development of sustainable methods of aquaculture appropriate to the northeast U.S. EEZ. 3. Reduce marine and endangered species mortalities by identifying innovative fishing gear design and developing methods for acoustic tracking.4. Demonstrate recirculating aquaculture systems and their application in commercial fish farming in an urban setting to the public and industry with a particular emphasis on Boston Harbor. 5. Improve the productivity and sustainability of the east coast sea scallop industry by identifying and encouraging the implementation of innovative harvest and management systems.Methodology:Through consultations with industry members and the undertaking of specific investigations, problems confronting the fishing industry will be addressed.Rationale:The U.S. fishing and aquaculture industries are confronted by a myriad of problems ranging from the scarcity of resources to political pressure to change traditional practices. Many of these problems will respond to the application of sound engineering and science-based decision making.