The Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC), located in Keaukaha, Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, is a premier research, education, and extension facility operated by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Established in the early 2000s, PACRC supports sustainable aquaculture, coastal resource management, and the development of innovative technologies suited to tropical and island environments. Through partnerships with state and federal agencies, local industry, and community stakeholders, the Center addresses regional priorities in food security, ecosystem restoration, and workforce development.
Originally focused on food-fish and shellfish production, PACRC’s research portfolio has expanded to include marine ornamental aquaculture, seaweed cultivation, hatchery technology development, coral restoration, and water quality enhancement. Recent work has emphasized the culture and captive breeding of marine ornamental and culturally important species, including the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus), Potter’s angelfish (Centropyge potteri), mullet (Mugil cephalus), and moi (Polydactylus sexfilis). These projects aim to reduce collection pressure on wild reef populations, advance captive production methods, and integrate conservation and commercial aquaculture objectives.
PACRC operates coastal field sites featuring seawater systems, hatchery facilities, and experimental ponds that support a wide range of applied research and training activities. The Center is staffed by approximately 15 full-time professionals and technical personnel, and actively involves over a dozen University of Hawaiʻi faculty from UH Hilo and other campuses in collaborative research and instruction. Each year, around 30–50 undergraduate and graduate students receive hands-on training and workforce experience in aquaculture, marine science, and coastal resource management.
Looking ahead, PACRC’s strategic priorities include expanding marine ornamental and finfish hatchery capacity, strengthening biosecurity and resilience in tropical production systems, and enhancing educational and research infrastructure to support Hawaiʻi’s growing aquaculture and blue economy sectors.