Integrated Research & Development and a Multidisciplinary Approach is OI's Strength
OI's scientific research is integrated across programs–it is not restricted within separate programs. Respected and professional scientists share diverse expertise, and work in teams to exchange, synthesize and build upon one another's experience. For example, intimately associated with raising finfish or shrimp for stock enhancement or farming, is the challenge to develop low-cost, environmentally-aware feeds. The Aquatic Nutrition and Feeds Program works closely with all programs–Shrimp, Finfish, Biotechnology, Fisheries and Environmental Science, AIP and CTSA–to develop diets that reduce reliance on animal proteins. It is a process of cooperative research resulting in innovative and holistic solutions.

OBJECTIVES:
FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
The objective of the Fisheries and Environmental Sciences Department is to develop innovative approaches to environmental management that foster the responsible utilization, preservation and restoration of living marine resources.
FINFISH DEPARTMENT
The objective of Finfish Department is to develop, demonstrate, and transfer new culture technologies for commercial aquaculture and fisheries enhancement.
SHRIMP DEPARTMENT
The objective of Shrimp Department is to develop innovative stock improvement and production system technologies and transfer these technologies to the global shrimp aquaculture industry.
NUTRITION DEPARMENT
The objective of Nutrition Department is to develop and apply innovative feed, food, and nutrition technologies for the aquaculture and associated industries.
USMSFP
The objective of U.S. Marine Shrimp Farming Program (USMSFP or Consortium) is to supply the technologies, products, and services necessary to make the U.S. marine shrimp farming industry competitive in the world market.
CTSA
The objective of Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA) is to support research, development, demonstration, and extension education to enhance viable and profitable aquaculture in Hawaii and U.S. affiliated Pacific islands.
AIP
The objective of the Aquaculture Interchange Program (AIP) is to collect information throughout the world by organizing workshops to summarize and exchange current information critical to the growth of aquaculture industry in the U.S.

OI's R & D goals are focused on ten inter-related areas that are essential for meeting increased global demands for seafood:

1. Maintenance of high-health marine stocks and selective breeding of aquatic animals including shrimp, food fish and ornamental species, modeled on terrestrial animal husbandry which shows that high-tech production leads to lower costs and less environmental risk.
2. Aquatic animal health management and the practices and protocols for a biosecure culture environment, which help protect the economic investments by thwarting disease and pollution.
3. Providing the much-needed scientific advancement for environmental protection, conservation, preservation and restoration of marine resources.
4. Commercial applications for aquatic feeds to make more efficient use of agricultural and ocean resources and yield healthier animals.
5. Fisheries restoration technologies to reverse marine resource depletion.
6. Reliable production systems based on increased use of technology for greater yields, and lower costs.
7. Development of seafoods and aquatic nutraceuticals
8. Effective demonstration of commercial prototype production units to promote technology transfer.
9. Training and education on technologies and environmental stewardship to promote positive environmental values.
10. Raising awareness of the public and particularly young people, with regard to the role of science in protecting and enhancing our resources and protecting the environment.