BRISTOL, RI – In an effort to ensure Rhode Island has a healthy and growing aquaculture sector, U.S. Senator Jack Reed has spearheaded the effort to deliver federal funds for comprehensive research and diagnostic testing of local shellfish and aquatic ecosystems.

Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse visited Roger Williams University to tour new and upgraded research and teaching facilities supported by federal funding. The senators also helped highlight the university’s role in advancing innovation in the life sciences and Blue Economy.

Thanks to a $1.95 million federal earmark that Senator Reed secured, Roger Williams University debuted its new Histology Lab, which diagnoses illness in shellfish and gives scientists and growers a better understanding of pathogens that could impact local mollusks like clams, oysters, quahogs, and scallops. Student and faculty researchers can use the lab to test for things like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can impact aquatic ecosystems. The lab’s work helps inform local shellfish farms and makes them stronger, more resilient and productive.

“Ultimately, this is about ensuring the health and safety of fresh, local seafood while helping Rhode Island’s aquaculture industry continue to thrive,” said Senator Reed.

Reed’s earmark is also being used to purchase diagnostic equipment and fund personnel, as well as an algal production facility and a quarantine facility to complement the Histology Lab. This progress builds on a previous $1.6 million federal earmark that Senator Reed, along with Senator Whitehouse, secured in 2022 to support aquaculture research across the university.

The Histology Lab is part of RWU’s Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory, which provides research and diagnostic services to fish and shellfish growers and regulators across the Northeast.

The new facility expands the lab’s ability to analyze aquatic animal tissues for disease, stress, and environmental-related structural changes. It also provides hands-on training for RWU students, who gain experience with pathology and molecular approaches to aquatic animal health, diagnostics, and care.

“Roger Williams University has become a go-to resource for local shellfish growers -- providing practical support to help launch and grow their businesses and help sustainably feed local communities. That success is not just in the classroom but also on dinner plates and more menus across the country as Rhode Island-grown oysters and other shellfish gain widespread popularity. I’m pleased to deliver federal funds to help Rhode Island’s aquaculture industry grow and expand to new markets. The new Histology Lab will help support this important local industry with new equipment to help researchers diagnose and prevent disease while training the next-generation workforce of Roger Williams students to graduate and continue to support our blue economy,” said Senator Reed.

“Aquaculture and marine research are twin pillars of Rhode Island’s growing Blue Economy,” said Senator Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “I was pleased to secure this federal funding [the FY 22 $1.6 million federal earmark], which will elevate RWU’s stellar marine research programs and maintain our state’s leadership in ocean economy entrepreneurship and innovation.”

“Senators Reed and Whitehouse have been longstanding champions of Roger Williams University’s work to advance Rhode Island’s blue economy,” said Brian G. Williams, D.M., Interim President of Roger Williams University. “Their leadership in securing federal investments has strengthened our ability to bring faculty research, student learning, and industry expertise together to address real challenges along our coast. We are grateful for their sustained commitment to this work, which extends well beyond any single award. These investments create extraordinary hands-on opportunities for our students, support innovation and sustainable growth in marine industries, and help Rhode Island’s coastal communities build a more resilient and prosperous future.”

“These facilities reflect the power of connecting advanced research with hands-on student learning,” said Margaret Everett, RWU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By giving students access to specialized equipment, experienced researchers and real-world challenges, we are preparing graduates to contribute to the health of our coastal environment, the growth of the aquaculture industry and the future of the Blue Economy.”

Following the Histology Laboratory visit, the senators toured additional RWU facilities, including the Center for Economic and Environmental Development (CEED) shellfish nursery and dock.