The Acuff Center for Aquaculture is a new free-standing, two-story building on the southeast section of William & Mary’s VIMS main campus that houses a shellfish research hatchery designed to accommodate the operation of VIMS’ Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center. It contains wet lab spaces for the nurturing and growth of oysters from conception through spat development for distribution to commercial hatcheries/processing facilities primarily located on the eastern shore of Virginia’s coastal region, as well as throughout the state’s easternmost riverine localities. It also conducts science intended to develop oyster strains which are resistant to diseases, as well as being larger and meatier for public consumption. The new facility houses several areas of research and education under the Shellfish Aquaculture Program.
Five Nines Company executed commissioning following LEED Fundamental and Enhanced Commissioning requirements for LEED v4 certification.