Fusion Farms

Fusion Farms has partnered with Dr. Rene Esteves at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez to assist with the design and operation of our aquaponic system, as well as to organize internships at Fusion Farms for students enrolled in the UPR programs.

Dr. Rene Esteves Ph.D. is currently serving a dual role as the Extension Leader for the University of Puerto Rico’s (UPR) Sea Grant College Program and as the Aquaculture Specialist for the UPR Agricultural Extension Service. He is a coral reef fish ecologist whose research interests have focused on larval connectivity of commercially important fish species, changes to coral reef fish community structure due to disturbances, and fisheries independent assessments. His double role in the UPR is in part meant to strengthen informal education in small sustainable recirculating aquaculture projects that would both increase food security and offer alternative income for low-income rural coastal communities.

Previously, Dr. Rene Esteves served as Puerto Rico’s fisheries liaison for the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).