Aquaculture training course to cover best practices and business strategies

KINGSTON, R.I. – Jan. 8, 2026 – For the second year, Rhode Island Sea Grant will offer an intermediate-level aquaculture training course titled “Beyond the Basics for Businesses and Practitioners.”

The 12-session course will be held virtually and at the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Institute on the Narragansett Bay Campus on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. starting Jan. 20.

The target audience includes early- or mid-career aquaculture professionals, aquaculture farm workers, and recent college graduates looking for practical and applied understanding of the aquaculture industry.

Azure Cygler and Rob Hudson, pictured in front of laptops, conducted the aquaculture training course last year in a conference room at URI’s Coastal Institute, with many of the participants livestreaming the course online from around the world.

The course will again be led by Azure Cygler and Rob Hudson, Rhode Island Sea Grant Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension specialists. Some of the topics will include industry best practices, business strategies, and sustainable operations.

“While several excellent introductory aquaculture courses and trainings exist, especially in New England, there was a deficit in specific aspects of running a business,” said Cygler. “Folks know how to farm and where to get information and training on farming but running a successful and profitable business is another ball game. National Sea Grant recognized this deficit and made a grant program that addresses this gap.”

According to Cygler, the aquaculture industry continues to grow and those who work in the industry have found ways to farm and operate more efficiently, but many could use guidance on their business practices.

“There are many exceptional farmers growing superior shellfish and seaweed, but many businesses struggle with the basics, such as managing money, writing grants, creating diverse business portfolios that go beyond food production, ensuring workers are healthy, and that their farms are insured properly,” said Cygler. “If these things are not in place over the long term, capacity suffers.”

Each session features a different topic, a presentation from a guest speaker or aquaculture professional, and a group discussion. Last year, 65 people registered for the course.

“The feedback we received was very positive,” said Cygler. “In fact, some participants from last year are joining us again this year.”

The course fee is $250. For more details on the course, visit Rhode Island Sea Grant.