Maryland Awarded Grant for Bay Scallop Aquaculture

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore receives $200,000 to foster a new domestic bay scallop industry.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Organic Food

Screen-print poster illustration of two bay scallops on a mesh tray, depicting the growth of regional aquaculture. — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has secured a $200,000 grant to establish a sustainable bay scallop aquaculture industry in Maryland. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Beginning in September 2026, the Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center awarded a $200,000 grant to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to develop bay scallop aquaculture. The project aims to establish a sustainable domestic industry for the native species through collaborative research and training.

Why it matters

The initiative seeks to capitalize on the success of existing aquaculture in the state to create a new economic foundation for East Coast growers. By standardizing practices, researchers hope to fill a gap in the U.S. seafood market.

The project is funded by a $200,000 grant from the Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center. This follows a strong 2024 for the state, where the oyster aquaculture industry generated an economic impact of $11.5 million.

The players

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

This public historically black research university is leading the research efforts to establish a domestic bay scallop industry.

Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center

This organization provides federal funding to support the development of aquaculture and related industries across the Northeast region.

Rutgers University

This public land-grant research university in New Jersey is partnering with Maryland researchers to conduct aquaculture experiments.

Lee Beauchamp

He is the owner of Baywater Seafood in Snow Hill and is actively involved in growing bay scallops.

The details

Researchers from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Rutgers University are developing training materials and videos for industry personnel. The team is also conducting experiments regarding seed transport and availability to support growers like Lee Beauchamp, who operates Baywater Seafood in Snow Hill.

The oyster industry generated $11.5 million in economic impact during 2024.
Project work on the aquaculture development initiative began in September 2026.
Research and development work on the project will continue until July 2029.

Culture Shift

This project follows the economic precedent set by the 2024 Maryland oyster industry economic impact. It represents a broader shift toward diversifying the regional aquaculture sector beyond traditional oyster harvests.

Local growers will gain access to standardized training videos and seed transport techniques designed to improve their operational success. These resources are intended to help producers integrate bay scallops into their current business models.

The takeaway

Establishing a domestic market for bay scallops could provide a valuable new revenue stream for coastal agricultural businesses. Growers interested in expanding their operations should look for future training opportunities hosted by regional research teams.

What happens next

The research team will continue to conduct Bay Scallop Aquaculture Bootcamps for growers and hatchery personnel across the East Coast through July 2029.