During 2000 the MAG program was funded at the level $52,500.
The program supported 3 projects that were proposed to address the criteria
specified by the Aquaculture Grants Program.
1. The goal of the Shared
Harvest Aquaculture Innovations are to (1) improve the cost-effectiveness and environmental
sustainability of the prototype (water recirculating aquaculture) system,
(2) to test the improvements, and (3) to develop detailed plans on scaling
up to a commercially viable system. This project was a collaborative between
University of Massachusetts Lowell Center for Family Work and Community,
The Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell and the Lowell
Heritage State Park. Amount $24,000.00
2. "Building a positive image for Massachusetts aquaculture" was conducted in effort to address ongoing concerns about public perception regarding aquaculture in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and abroad. The project employed a collaborative, multifaceted approach that included work with shellfish growers, public shellfish enhancement efforts and local business operators. The project also used Eco-tourism, public events and exhibits and web page resources as tools to advertise and get the word out about shellfish aquaculture on Martha's Vineyard in particular and Massachusetts in general. This project included collaboration between the Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group, Martha's Vineyard Shellfish, Sweet Neck Farm, Martha's Vineyard Oyster Company, Martha's Vineyard Oyster, Edgartown Harbor Tours, East Coast Outfitters (ECO) of Vineyard Haven and web page developers Barbara Hanifan and Marcus Bradley. Amount $12,500. (Building a positive image photos)
3. The project "Direct
marketing of undersized tilapia to ethnic communities in urban centers"
was designed to explore the development of a statewide marketing and
distribution system for tilapia in the one-pound size range to ethnic
populations. The project was also an effort to demonstrate the economic
viability of small scale recirculating retail fish holding systems ("fish
kiosks") in effort to expand marketing opportunities for live fish.
This project was undertaken by Dr. Robert Biagi at Nueva Esperanza.
Amount $12,400.00
