Introduction

The Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) of the Department of Agriculture provides a wide range of support for Hawaii's aquaculture industry. ADP is a planning, development and problem-solving organization, whose goals are to get production and service businesses started, and once started - to help ensure their success through active assistance. Major areas of assistance include:

Planning and Coordination

ADP continually assesses progress in Hawaii's aquaculture industry and recommends plans and policies to enhance development and improve the business climate. The Program encourages sister agencies to consider Hawaii's enormous potential for sustainable aquaculture expansion in carrying out their statutory functions, and represents the State in national and international forums.

Information Dissemination

ADP provides a wide variety of current information of such important subjects as species identification and culture technologies, product and service markets, government regulations, and the costs of doing business in Hawaii. The Program maintains a national and international network of strategic partners and sources to tap for the latest industry information.

Business Counseling

ADP helps in the preparation and review of business plans; advises on Federal, State and County permit requirements, financing sources and locating suitable sites; and offers technical assistance to improve farm operational efficiency and profitability.

Marketing

ADP assists in the promotion of locally grown products, research and technology transfer services and investment opportunities through: direct marketing and assistance to local, national, and international media; staging promotional exhibits; publication of recipes and brochures; and carrying out public relations with the industry. The Program also acts as a clearinghouse to put potential customers in touch with producers and consultants.

Animal Health Management

ADP employs an Aquaculture Veterinary Medical Officer and technical staff, who advise on maintaining healthy stock and growing environments and treating disease problems, as they occur in the industry. The Program also provides health certification services to aquatic livestock exporters, such as those selling specific pathogen-free shrimp and serves as a technical resource to state officials in charge of aquatic species importation permitting. In addition an active applied research effort is maintained to constantly improve the disease management information base.

Research and Extension Funding

State project funding is currently focused on providing on-site statewide, extension services directed towards reducing farm risks, lowering production costs, and increasing yields. The Program encourages short-term problematic and applied research by the research community. Research collaborations and partnering with other public and private sector groups that fund or carry out research is stressed.