The prevalence of obesity among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders is statistically high and continues to rise, putting members of these communities at greater and greater risk for developing diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases.

It’s been a long-term objective of CTAHR to establish an aquaculture facility on the UH Mānoa campus. That objective was realized in 2024. With funding from the UHM Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research, CTAHR, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Andre Seale of the Dept. of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences has partnered with the UH Sea Grant College Program (Hawai‘i Sea Grant) to create the new “Tuahine Aquaculture Research and Education Center.”

Pravin Mishra, a graduate student in the Dept. of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, has been elected Junior Student Director for the Poultry Science Association. This significant achievement was announced following a competitive election, where Pravin shined, showcasing his commitment to fulfilling the organization’s objective of providing educational, social, and academic/industrial support to all student members.

The Hawaiian Islands have just the right water resources and climate to support the aquaculture farming of fish, shellfish, algae, etc. So what’s holding back this potentially profitable industry? A lack of affordable local feed. Feed accounts for 60%+ of aquaculture production costs, and all of it is imported. 

In ancient Hawaiʻi, fishponds were remarkably successful in ensuring a steady supply of food. In modern times, these seafood “farms” can greatly relieve pressure on wild stocks and supplement market demands – especially local species that are increasingly important economically.