ARS Newport, Oregon Worksite   The USDA/ARS Shellfish Aquaculture program, administered through the Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit in Corvallis, OR conducts research in support of ARS National Program 106 - Aquaculture (100%). Research on shellfish genetics ("Genetic improvement and development of shellfish breeding stocks for the Pacific Northwest") and ecology ("Ecologically compatible management practices for Pacific shellfish production") is conducted to develop superior genetic lines with improved growth rates, survival, and resistance to stress and disease along with ecologically-based integrated pest management strategies to control pests, particularly burrowing shrimp that limit commercial oyster production. The long-term goal is to develop technologies that improve the economics of oyster production in the Pacific Northwest while reducing the impact of production activities on estuarine environments.     Shellfish Ecology