The opportunities for engineering and technology in addressing the environmental,institutional, and economic constraints of marine aquaculture in the United States

Profound changes have taken place in agriculture over the past 50 yr. Science, engineering, and innovation have transformed agriculture from a way of life into a business. Most of these changes occurred during an era when the public took the environment for granted, accepting the practices of agriculture. Aquaculture has entered a similar period of rapid expansion over the last decade; however, the public (and their governments) are now acutely aware of the environment. Aquaculture will face scrutiny unknown during the development of agriculture. Science and technology have opportunities to address the environmental, institutional, and economic constraints associated with marine aquaculture, including the interface between the environment and production, technology to assist with problems of production and environmental impacts, and the pursuit of new options in siting and culturing.