# USDA NIFA Awards Aquaculture Research Grants

On September 30, 2026, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded **$1.8 million** across six applied aquaculture research projects to support industry innovation, domestic seafood production, and rural and coastal employment. This is an announced award, not an open solicitation. Contractors and research organizations can review the funded projects and use NIFA’s Aquaculture and AQUA grant programs to identify potential future teaming and funding opportunities.

- The awards cover six applied research projects; the signal does not specify individual award amounts or contract numbers.
- Research organizations and industry stakeholders can review the funded projects to identify relevant capabilities and potential teaming relationships.
- Companies seeking future funding can consult NIFA’s Aquaculture and AQUA grant programs, as identified in the announcement.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA)

### Vendors
- Pacific Hybreed (awardee)
- University of Washington (awardee)
- University of Maine (awardee)
- Mississippi State University (awardee)
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (awardee)

### Sources
- [NIFA Awards $1.8M to Support Aquaculture Research | NIFA](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/award-announcements/nifa-awards-18m-support-aquaculture-research) - NIFA