Michael Acquafredda is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory where he is studying the feasibility and sustainability of multitrophic recirculating aquaculture systems involving black sea bass (Centropristis striata), sandworms (Nereis virens), and sea beans (Salicornia bigelovii). During his time at Rutgers, Michael’s research focused on ways that aquaculture opportunities can be expanded in the Northeast through ecologically-sound diversification. Specifically, Michael studied Atlantic surfclam (Spisula solidissima) farming techniques, the surfclam’s vulnerability and resilience to ocean warming via selective breeding, and bivalve polyculture. Michael also completed a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship with the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) where he advanced domestic and international OA policy.
