Former U.N. expert to head aquaculture programs at UH
Albert G.J. Tacon, known internationally for his work in aquaculture, has joined the University of Hawaii to coordinate aquaculture research and development programs.
Tacon worked for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Italy, Brazil and Indonesia before coming here in 1998.
He was a university researcher and lecturer at institutions in England and Scotland after earning academic degrees at universities in England and Wales.
Coming here, he directed and was program manager of the Aquatic Feeds and Nutrition Program at the Oceanic Institute for two years.
He was with Aquatic Farms Ltd., a private aquaculture and fisheries consulting company based in Kaneohe, before joining UH.
He served as an affiliate faculty member in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the UH-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Institute for Marine Biology and Sea Grant College Program, and the UH-Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources.
In his new role, he will lead a UH systemwide Aquaculture Development and Coordination Program called "AQUAHANA -- A'ohe hana nui ka alu 'ia -- No task is too big when done together."
In a UH news release announcing his appointment, he said, "AQUAHANA's goal is to elevate the university to become a world-class aquaculture institution with cutting-edge expertise, taking advantage of our strengths in research and development, patenting and licensing, and education and training."
He said the university already has more than 60 faculty and research staff directly or indirectly involved in aquaculture-related activities.
"This represents one of the largest groups of professionals within the U.S. and the Western Pacific region in this field," Tacon said. "The potential for significant contributions to state and regional economies is waiting to be tapped."
Gary Ostrander, UH-Manoa vice chancellor for research and graduate education, said Tacon is expected "to add new vitality to our several aquaculture programs with a much more unified approach."
