Kerian Fennelly, CEO of Newport Mussels.
Photo: Newport Mussels
New England shellfish aquaculture firm Newport Mussels has begun the federal permitting process for a proposed offshore mussel farm in North Atlantic federal waters, a project the company says would be the first commercial-scale operation of its kind in the region.
The farm would be located about 17 nautical miles off Newport, Rhode Island, and is planned to use a suspended grow-out system adapted for offshore conditions. According to the company, the site has been designed to produce more than 12 million pounds (around 5,400 metric tonnes) of blue mussels annually once fully developed, with the harvested shellfish to be landed in Newport.
The company says the farm's proposed location was identified through a site suitability analysis conducted in partnership with the NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, and later refined through discussions with protected species specialists, marine habitat scientists, mariners and commercial fishing representatives.
“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 and chief executive of Newport Mussels, who previously worked as a commercial fisherman in southern New England and now operates oyster farms in Westport, Massachusetts.
“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,” he added.
Chris Schillaci, project manager at Newport Mussels, who joined the company in May 2025 after 10 years working on aquaculture and seafood safety policy at the state and federal level with NOAA, argued that the project fits with ambitions to boost domestic seafood production.
“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,” Schillaci said.
In order to go ahead, the project must first receive authorisation from the US Army Corps of Engineers’ New England District. The permitting process, now underway, will involve consultations with NOAA Fisheries and the US Fish and Wildlife Service regarding potential effects on protected species and marine habitats. The proposal will also be reviewed by the US Coast Guard on matters related to navigation safety. In addition, the states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts will carry out consistency reviews.
Newport Mussels says that if the farm proceeds it could create employment linked to vessel construction, farm operations, processing and distribution. Using economic modelling developed by NOAA Fisheries, the company estimates the project could generate an annual economic impact of between $45m (€41.3m) and $90m (€82.6m) in Rhode Island and surrounding areas.