Resources Database

There are several ways in which birds interact with shellfish aquaculture. Birds can cause significant damage to crops through predation. Some birds fall into the category of protected resources and farmers have been variously accused of interfering with foraging, (either attracting or disturbing or both) and interfering with hunting. Birds can be attracted to aquaculture structures for roosting or foraging and their guano can impact water quality and trigger the need for growers to develop management plans under the National Shellfish Sanitation Plan.

The Maine Seaweed Exchange is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the success of seaweed professionals of any experience level. We provide education, advocacy, and access to a network of thoughtful and dedicated members from around the world.

Research paper on mussel spawning, spat (seed) collection, and hatchery grow out. They researched naturally and artificially conditioned mussel broodstock; compare different ropes used for settling larvae; hatchery production methods; if differences exist in growth and retention rates; whether working mussel farms would benefit from multiple cohorts of cultured seed; & the effectiveness of remote vs. traditional setting methods to decrease costs associated with the production of cultured mussel seed.

Earn a Certificate in Coastal Fisheries & Marine Technology with added industry recognized credentials such as PADI Diver Certification, OUPV Captain's License and ABYC Certifications for free.

Supporting marine science for Maine people focusing on Maine’s coastal communities, scientific research, and tomorrow's marine workforce.

DMR welcomes and encourages comment on aquaculture lease applications. This explains the process, scoping sessions, submitting a comment, speaking at a public hearing and more.

A critical study that describes the growth potential for Maine's edible seaweed market over the next fifteen years. This report documents the size and nature of the business opportunity and identifies the requirements for sustainable growth.

Overview of how Pemaquid Mussel Farms reached their development goal of a 5 fold increase in production within 10 years to $15 million annually using new technology and business planning.

This report is based on the research priorities survey conducted in June 2019 of Maine’s aquaculture community and is compared with surveys from 2012 and 2016 to look at trends. There have been some changes in the prioritization of needs since 2016, but many of the same research, development, and education (R&D&E) needs persist and remain unaddressed. As expected, there are different R&D&E priorities for different aquaculture sectors.

Provides confidential and comprehensive location and business services for aquaculture companies looking to locate or expand in the state.

The Maine Seaweed Council strives to protect the ecosystems of Maine’s marine algae and adhere to sustainable cultivation and harvest practices, promote the use of Maine seaweeds, educate the public, regulators, and elected officials, and provide a collaborative forum for its members.

Fact sheet on aquaculture lease hearings which are an adjudicatory hearing. It also includes the criteria for issuing aquaculture leases.

Explains how to participate in a hearing, testimony, questions, public support or opposition, intervenor, and after the hearing.

A data-driven, quantitative market assessment that informs industry leaders and business owners about the potential scale and scope of markets for farmed shellfish and to facilitate strategic growth in the industry.

Provides a summary of direct and indirect environmental factors that may affect your site selection for your marine aquaculture business.

A brief overview of what aquaculture is, why people do it, and how people do it in Maine.

Good husbandry is critical to success and this gives a general overview of its importance.

General overview about kelp farms, kelp markets, and kelp food options.

A study the researched and inventoried the seasonality, sources, and market utilization of locally produced seafood within the state and help educate food consumers at many different levels about the opportunities for gaining access to Maine seafood.

An in-depth guide on kelp farming including how to set up a farm, the application process, nursery set-up, maintaining cultures, and farm site operations.