Marina Insurance Programs: Integrating Coverage for On-Site Aquaculture Projects

Marina insurance programs are increasingly adapting to cover aquaculture operations as interest in sustainable seafood and coastal food production grows. By hosting oyster farms, fish pens, and kelp cultivation projects alongside traditional boating services, marinas can expand their revenue streams, attract tourists, and strengthen community engagement.

However, aquaculture also brings unique risks that require targeted protection. Property damage, environmental liability, and business interruption exposures can all impact profitability. By integrating aquaculture coverage into existing marina insurance programs, agents can help clients safeguard operations while supporting the growth of this sector.

Understanding Aquaculture Activities at Marinas

Typical on-site aquaculture includes oyster farming, kelp cultivation, finfish aquaculture, and educational exhibits for visitors. Marinas are appealing for these projects because they offer navigable waters, existing infrastructure, and strong tourism potential.

Operations often overlap. Aquaculture gear may share dock space with boats, staff may work alongside marina employees, and visitors may engage with both boating and farming activities. This interconnected environment means coverage must address combined risks.

Unique Risks Introduced by Aquaculture Projects

Marina insurance programs increasingly cover aquaculture operations as marinas diversify into oyster farming, kelp cultivation, and finfish production. While these ventures boost revenue and community appeal, they also bring exposures that demand specialized coverage. 

• Environmental liability: Pollution exposure from feed, waste, or containment failures
• Property damage: Losses to pens, tanks, docks, or floating structures caused by storms, vessel traffic, or equipment breakdown
• Business interruption: Revenue loss from crop failure, contamination events, or water quality closures
• Third-party liability: Injuries to boaters, swimmers, or visitors from aquaculture installations
• Product liability: Claims tied to selling or serving aquaculture products on-site, such as foodborne illness

Where Standard Marina Insurance Programs May Fall Short

Standard marina policies often leave aquaculture exposures unaddressed, particularly when the operations aren’t disclosed to the insurer. General liability may not apply to incidents tied to aquaculture, and property coverage can overlook specialized structures such as cages, tanks, or floating platforms.

Environmental liability is another frequent gap, leaving contamination events or habitat damage uninsured. Even business interruption coverage, when included, is rarely designed with the realities of crop loss or aquaculture-related shutdowns in mind.

Key Coverages To Consider for Aquaculture-Integrated Marinas

Integrating aquaculture into marina coverage begins with general liability that includes aquaculture endorsements and scheduled operations. Property insurance should cover pens, tanks, floating platforms, and related facilities. Pollution liability addresses runoff, feed discharge, and habitat contamination.

Product liability is important if aquaculture products are sold or served. Commercial auto can protect live seafood transport. Business interruption and extra expense coverage should account for crop losses and closures. Workers’ compensation and MEL/USL&H coverage address aquaculture crews working on or near navigable waters.

Helping Clients Navigate Policy Structuring and Compliance

Agents should encourage clients to disclose aquaculture activities to underwriters and work with carriers to integrate these exposures into existing marina insurance programs. Implementing environmental management plans can reduce exposure and improve coverage terms.

Supporting Marina Growth Through Specialized Coverage

When marinas expand into aquaculture, agents can step in with customized coverage strategies that safeguard new ventures while supporting community-focused growth. Merrimac Marine’s experience in both marina operations and aquaculture exposures allows agents to build complete programs that support growth while maintaining strong risk management. 

Contact Merrimac Marine Insurance today to discuss how to integrate aquaculture protections into your clients’ marina insurance programs.

About Merrimac Marine Insurance

At Merrimac Marine, we are dedicated to providing insurance for the marine industry to protect your clients’ businesses and assets. For more information about our products and programs, contact our specialists today at (800) 681-1998.