Aquaculture America 2026

February 16 - 19, 2026

Las Vegas, Nevada

Add To Calendar 19/02/2026 09:45:0019/02/2026 10:05:00America/Los_AngelesAquaculture America 2026OPTIMIZING INTEGRATED MULTI-TROPHIC AQUACULTURE (IMTA) APPLICATIONS FOR MARINE FINFISH PRODUCTION IN THE UNITED STATESBordeauxThe World Aquaculture Societyjohnc@was.orgfalseDD/MM/YYYYanrl65yqlzh3g1q0dme13067

OPTIMIZING INTEGRATED MULTI-TROPHIC AQUACULTURE (IMTA) APPLICATIONS FOR MARINE FINFISH PRODUCTION IN THE UNITED STATES

 

John D. Stieglitz*, Andrew J. Ray, Alexandra E. Guerra, Sagun Chhetri, and Ronald H. Hoenig

 

*University of Miami

  Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, & Earth Science

  4600 Rickenbacker Causeway; Miami, FL  33149  USA

  E-mail: jstieglitz@miami.edu

 



Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) is receiving increased attention as a practical method for improving the environmental and economic performance of marine aquaculture. IMTA principles can be applied with marine finfish in both recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and in flow-through land-based and open-water applications. Through ongoing work at the University of Miami, in collaboration with partner facilities in the U.S., research is underway to evaluate species of native halophytic terrestrial plants and macroalgae that are best suited for IMTA applications in the Southeast U.S. and Caribbean, as well as in land-based RAS systems of the U.S. Midwest region. The performance of extractive vegetative crops, including marine macroalgae and halophytic plants, is being examined under nutrient rich conditions from effluent of marine finfish aquaculture operations. The goal of this research is to determine how halophytic plant and macroalgal crops can enhance finfish production while creating additional commercial value for farms. This is an important topic since seaweed products in the United States are largely imported and domestic producers must identify efficient and profitable methods for cultivation. Species selection of halophytic plants and macroalgae species will be guided by their capacity to utilize nutrients, their market potential, and their suitability for post harvest processing and value addition.  These approaches to IMTA research and development will be presented and discussed, including identifying how IMTA can contribute to improved aquaculture sustainability, increased community support, and stronger economic foundations for marine aquaculture throughout the United States. The combined production of fish, macroalgae, and halophytic crops offers a pathway for creating more resilient and regionally adapted farming models.