A.I.S., Inc. provides our customers with the pragmatic science and environmental intelligence they need to maintain decision superiority. Through ecosystem studies, information services, and impact analyses, we incorporate the entire ecosystem, including humans, into resource management decisions, giving our oceans the greatest chance to adapt and thrive.

Our team comprises experts across various scientific and technical disciplines, including genomics, marine biology, environmental science, and ecological modeling. We employ a diverse range of highly qualified professionals, from PhDs and Masters Degree holders to Principal Investigators, ensuring that we bring cutting-edge knowledge and innovative solutions to every project. Our employees are dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and providing actionable insights to support sustainable resource management and environmental stewardship.

By leveraging the expertise of our multidisciplinary team, we deliver comprehensive scientific research and technical services that address the complex challenges facing our natural world. Our commitment to excellence and collaboration allows us to support federal agencies in achieving their mission-critical objectives while promoting the health and resilience of ecosystems worldwide.

GEONOMICS/eDNA

We leverage advanced genomics to study marine species and fish populations, creating novel techniques to assess species presence and abundance in challenging marine environments. At NOAA's Milford Laboratory, AIS supports all stages of eDNA research, from field sample collection and processing to DNA extraction, amplification, and next-generation sequencing. Our expertise in designing experiments, developing methods, and analyzing bioinformatics data enhances our customers’ ability to monitor marine ecosystems and estimate habitat inhabitants effectively .

PROTECTED SPECIES LIFE CYCLE MODELING

We employ advanced field and remote sensing methods to collect and analyze habitat data, crucial for developing life cycle models of protected species. By integrating diverse data sets and sophisticated analytical tools, we gain a comprehensive understanding of species' life cycles. This enables us to devise effective conservation strategies, ensuring the protection and sustainability of these vital marine populations. Our holistic approach aids federal agencies in making informed, science-based conservation decisions.

OCEAN/MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

We advance next-generation aquaculture gear design to mitigate entanglement risks for protected species through numerical modeling, stakeholder coordination, and sensor deployment. Utilizing tools like OpenFOAM and MATLAB, we ensure gear safety and effectiveness. AIS supports ocean and mechanical engineering, developing ropeless technology to reduce whale entanglements, modeling 3D oyster cages, and conducting CFD simulations for hydrodynamic analysis. We provide structural engineering expertise, develop gear guides and regulatory standards. AIS's interdisciplinary approach and technical knowledge drive research, support government projects, and contribute to the development of robust, safe aquaculture practices.

OCEAN ACIDIFICATION RESEARCH

We investigate the impact of ocean acidification on economically important species to aid in their management. Through laboratory experiments and field data collection, we measure physiological responses to acidic conditions. We provide climate change project support, analyzing samples with spectrometers, elemental analyzers, and flow cytometers, and performing pH and alkalinity measurements. Our tasks include nutrient determinations, filter preparation for biodeposition, and maintaining detailed laboratory records, ensuring rigorous quality control and laboratory safety.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY/HATCHERY SUPPORT

We provide comprehensive hatchery lifecycle management, including microalgal cultures, spawning, larval rearing, broodstock management, and seawater systems. We handle all aspects of animal husbandry, from microbiology and species rearing to electronic monitoring and control equipment. We develop detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), implement customer work plans, and maintain meticulous records. Using advanced methods, we manage heated and filtered seawater systems to raise larvae and grow post-set to maturity, delivering healthy species for commercial evaluation and enhancing aquaculture efficiency.

QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGY AND BIOENERGETICS

We collaborate with clients to design and implement shellfish population health surveys, utilizing molecular techniques for disease characterization and data analysis. We support research on probiotic bacteria like Vibrio sp. OY15 to enhance larval oyster survival and replace antibiotics. We manage population structure and disease surveillance across oyster beds in Long Island Sound, coordinating with government and industry partners. Our services include field sample collection, histopathological, microbiological, and molecular processing, data entry, quality control, and statistical analysis. We also prepare detailed reports, peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, and conference presentations to disseminate findings and inform management strategies.

MARINE HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH

We conduct advanced quantitative ecology and bioenergetics research by integrating lab and field studies with mechanistic models. The company supports bivalve sample processing and data analysis, provides expertise in bioenergetic model development and validation, and executes model simulations while managing workflows for field, lab, and simulation processes. We also code data analyses using Excel, R, Python, and GitHub, ensuring quality control through detailed workflows and laboratory notebooks, and actively participating in field research, seawater sampling, and experiments, presenting findings at scientific and educational conferences.

VESSEL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTRUMENT SUPPORT

We provide comprehensive support for research vessels and oceanographic instrumentation, offering unparalleled value through logistics, maintenance, and operation. We manage customer vessels operating in various sea conditions and support small boats for fieldwork and dive operations as well. Our services include vessel maintenance, equipment deployment and recovery, and operating deck machinery. We also ensure emergency and safety equipment maintenance while participating in sailing days.

EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, AND OUTREACH

Stakeholder engagement on the latest scientific research and regulatory happenings is crucial to situational awareness.

We ensure effective stakeholder engagement by coordinating research communications, drafting scientific materials, and updating government websites. We manage information helpdesks, lead virtual event planning, and participate in scientific meetings and conferences. We disseminate research findings to the public and scientific communities through press releases, news articles, and program websites. Our efforts ensure that the latest scientific research and regulatory updates are effectively communicated to all stakeholders.

Leadership

Rick Usher
Sr. Vice President

Rick Usher’s passion for the ocean began as a child exploring the shores of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. With over 40 years of diverse experience in the marine industry, Rick’s career has spanned from commercial fishing and aquaculture to environmental management. He has captained offshore mussel harvesting vessels, managed quality control for major seafood processing companies, and logged over 5,000 hours as a commercial shellfish diver in New England waters.

In 2004, Rick joined A.I.S., Inc. His career at AIS has taken him across the U.S. and around the world, where has managed fisheries programs as well as numerous environmental monitoring projects collaborating closely with industry partners, including NOAA and the U.S. NAFO delegation. Rick’s dedication to protecting our ocean environments through accurate data collection and analysis continues to drive the mission of AIS.

Mr. Usher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of New England.

Contact:
Phone: 508-990-9054
Email: srtssmgmt@aisobservers.com

Peter Melanson
Program Manager

Peter is the Program Manager for Scientific Research and Technical Services at AIS. With a comprehensive background in marine science, he has extensive experience in field and laboratory research. At AIS, Peter oversees the execution of scientific research projects, drives business development, spearheads technological innovation, and manages GIS-related tasks. His leadership ensures projects are executed efficiently, advancing our scientific endeavors.

Peter holds a Master’s degree in Oceanography as well as a Master’s of Business Administration both from URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

Outside of work, Peter enjoys basketball, diving, and reading, reflecting his passion for continuous learning and active living.

Contact:
Phone: 774-392-5128
Email: srtssmgmt@aisobservers.com