Wade Watanabe

Wade Watanabe served as Research Professor and Director of the Finfish Aquaculture Program at UNCW's Center for Marine Science for 25 years before retiring in 2022. He established UNCW's Aquaculture Program with a focus on developing sustainable, environmentally responsible methods for saltwater fish cultivation.

His research encompassed captive reproduction, nutrition, waste management, and seafood economics. He secured $6.8 million in grants and conducted global studies on species including summer flounder, mutton snapper, Nassau grouper, and black sea bass.

The aquaculture facility he developed provides experiential training opportunities for students and supports commercial fish farming through year-round spawning capabilities.