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Newport Mussels launches first North Atlantic commercial farm
March 13, 2026 By Aquaculture North America Staff
Newport Mussels launches permitting for North Atlantic offshore farm (Photo: Newport Mussels) Talking Points
Newport Mussels is seeking federal approval to establish the first commercial-scale offshore mussel farm in North Atlantic federal waters, aiming to produce over 12 million pounds of mussels annually. Located 17 nautical miles from Newport, R.I., the farm is designed to enhance the region's Blue Economy while minimizing environmental impacts.
The project will utilize a suspended growout system and requires approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with consultations involving NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address potential ecological concerns. Once operational, the farm could offset one-third of the current million-pound seafood trade deficit.
- The mussel farm aims to create 45-90 million CAD in annual economic impact.
- It is expected to generate new jobs in various sectors including vessel construction and processing.
- The initiative aligns with national goals for sustainable seafood production and aquaculture development.
This project represents a significant step towards enhancing local seafood production and supporting maritime communities, addressing both economic and environmental challenges.
Newport Mussels is seeking federal approval to build the first commercial-scale offshore mussel farm in the North Atlantic federal waters.
The farm is designed to yield more than 12 million pounds annually. The harvested mussels will be brought to Newport, R.I., strengthening the region’s working waterfront and Blue Economy.
The farm, located 17 nautical miles from Newport, is designed and sited to maximize environmental benefits and minimize conflicts with other ocean users. It would use a suspended growout system engineered for the offshore conditions.
“From day one, our goal has been simple: grow low-impact, protein-rich seafood that restores ocean health and supports maritime communities,” said Kerian Fennelly, founder & CEO of Newport Mussels. “Beginning the permitting phase is a major milestone on that path. Newport has a proud maritime legacy, and we’re excited to connect that heritage with a new model for regenerative ocean farming that delivers reliable, U.S. grown protein at meaningful scale.”
The project requires approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to begin work. The permitting process will include consultation with NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure the farm poses minimal concerns related to protected species and fisheries habitat.
When it is fully developed, Newport Mussels would produce enough mussels to offset one-third of the current million pound trade deficit.
“This is exactly the kind of project envisioned to grow sustainable U.S. domestic seafood production and begin to reduce the $20B U.S. seafood trade deficit,” said Chris Schillaci, project manager at Newport Mussels. “Newport Mussels leverages decades of U.S. investment in aquaculture science and policy development and represents perfect alignment with regional and national goals for the blue economy and aquaculture development.”
The operation is expected to support new jobs across vessel construction, farm operations, processing, logistics, and sales. NOAA projects that Newport Mussels will create a US$45-90 million annual economic impact across Rhode Island and the region.