Current Research

The prime mandates of the National Marine Fisheries Service are to manage and conserve the living resources of the sea and to ensure their renewability for the future. Although the approach to meeting these goals has changed considerably over the years,  the Milford Laboratory has made strong positive contributions to these objectives  throughout its long history.

Present research emphasizes aquaculture and habitat-related work. A well-integrated aquaculture program includes studies of the culture of fish and shellfish to develop methods suitable for commercial use as well as for stock enhancement and restoration. Nearshore habitats are being studied to determine what characteristics make a habitat suitable for a particular species. Although the areas of research have changed since the early days of the laboratory, the main goal is still to conserve living resources and to ensure their renewability. The demand for seafood is increasing while stocks are declining. Aquaculture can provide this seafood while reducing fishing pressure on wild stocks. In addition, aquaculture may provide a closely-related field of employment for fishermen displaced by the decline in fish stocks.  Habitat-related studies are providing specific information needed to preserve and restore nearshore habitats which are important nursery areas for young fish.

The versatility of both the facility and the staff make this unique blend of research possible at this laboratory. The scientists are trained in a wide variety of disciplines, including chemistry, ecology, fisheries biology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, bacteriology, algology, pathology, and cell ultrastructure. This makes it possible to approach a particular problem from several directions.

Major Projects 

* Researchers are developing practical aquaculture methods to optimize survival and growth of bay scallops, Argopecten irradians. Methods are being developed to increase the spawning period so that scallops can be produced year round, improve yield, and disease resistance. Staff are testing the effectiveness of various sets of conditions for growing scallops to adult size in natural waters; this includes the size and shape of cages and nets, the optimum density of scallops placed in the nets or cages, and the optimum depth for the nets. The feasibility of growing bay scallops in a closed or recirculating system is being tested through development of modern methods of phytoplankton culture and determination of their nutritional requirements.  click here for more about scallops 

 * Staff are developing practical aquaculture methods for the tautog (blackfish), Tautoga onitis. This involves spawning the fish both in and out-of-season, determining the best conditions for growing embryos, larvae, and juveniles, evaluating natural and artificial food, and exploring ways to increase disease resistance. The methods developed will be helpful in the development of commercial hatcheries. The fish grown here may also be used in feasibility studies for enhancement or restoration of natural stocks.  click here for more about tautog

* Researchers are investigating the growth and survival of winter flounder, tautog, and bay scallops in different habitat-types along the Connecticut Coast. Nearshore habitats function as critical nursery areas for fish and shellfish during their first year of life. An understanding of how environmental factors affect fish recruitment is essential for habitat restoration.
    click here for more about coastal habitat