Eric Herbst

Bio

Eric Herbst, North Carolina Sea Grant’s coastal aquaculture specialist, works with a diverse group of stakeholders and partners to assess industry needs, identify challenges and develop science-based solutions to advance opportunities in the state’s growing aquaculture sectors that include shellfish, finfish and algae. He also supports workforce development and education programs and coordinates and conducts applied research with academic and industry partners.

Herbst started his aquaculture career on a hybrid striped bass farm in Pinetown, North Carolina. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master’s degree in fisheries science/aquaculture from Louisiana State University. Prior to joining North Carolina Sea Grant, he worked for Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems as senior biologist and project engineer and most recently as aquaculture engineering laboratory supervisor. He has expertise in project business, working on cross-functional teams, and establishing relationships with customers and industry partners. He also has experience in design, engineering and commissioning of complex recirculating aquaculture systems deployed in research institutions around the globe; aquaculture workforce development and education; technical training; and development of new products and technologies that provide solutions to aquaculture industry challenges.