The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) was established in 1988 to provide a focus for aquaculture research at the University of Idaho.

Aquaculture is a highly diverse activity involving food production, fisheries enhancement and fisheries stock restoration. Thus, it touches an array of scientific disciplines. The purpose of the institute is to facilitate research and education across scientific disciplines. ARI activities are therefore interdisciplinary in nature, involving several departments and colleges across the university.

ARI is a strong proponent of collaborative research. ARI has formal collaborative research agreements with the USDA’s Agriculture Research Service and with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. Both entities have scientists and staff in residence at ARI’s Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, located in south-central Idaho near the center of the U.S. trout industry.