Faced with a shortage of skilled workers for the state’s fish, shellfish and seaweed farms, Maine is breaking ground to find a solution.
aquaculture
Wild oysters are returning to Midcoast Maine waters
The finding is part of a University of Maine study that relied on local shellfish harvesters. It argues that fishermen’s knowledge should be valued more in research that informs regulations.
Most Americans haven’t tried seaweed, Maine study shows
The study, which in part explores Americans’ hesitance to try new foods, finds that leaning on seaweed as an ingredient in different snacks and making ready-to-eat dishes could sway consumers.
Environmental group to purchase land once eyed for Belfast salmon farm
After years of pushback, Nordic Aquafarms abandoned its $500 million project and listed its 54-acre parcel for sale in January.
Nordic Aquafarms to pay Midcoast environmental group $125K
Upstream Watch had opposed the Norwegian company’s recently abandoned plan to build a $500 million inland salmon farm in Belfast.
Company behind Belfast salmon farm abandons project, citing legal challenges
Norwegian company Nordic Aquafarms says it is dropping the controversial proposal for a $500 million, land-based aquaculture operation.
Conservation group plans to sue salmon farm operator over coastal pollution
The Conservation Law Foundation accuses Cooke Aquaculture of Clean Water Act violations at 13 sites along the Maine coast.
Bigelow lab receives $7 million for algae research, business development
The Boothbay lab will use the National Science Foundation grant to build the Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator in a bid to unlock more ways macroalgae and its microscopic counterpart can be used and ultimately marketed.
UMaine to build $10.3 million aquaculture research, workforce training center
Set to open in 2025, the Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce Innovation Center in Orono will prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry.
Agriculture is a growing part of Maine’s economy despite fewer farms, farmland and farmers
Rising production costs, climate change and an aging population of farmers ready to retire are among the challenges facing the agriculture sector in Maine.