The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) recently showcased its commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture research at the Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition (NACE) in Rhode Island. Established by the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center  in 1998, NACE brings together a diverse network of stakeholders to discuss innovative research in aquaculture. ARI played a significant role in this dialogue, facilitating student involvement and showcasing the expertise of its researchers. The team, including Adam St Gelais, Cara Blaine, Kara Chuang, Chris Noren, Denise Skonberg, Brian Beal, Ayodeji Olaniyi, Kyle Brennan, Sue Ishaq, Paul Rawson, and Tim Bowden, covered a broad spectrum of topics ranging from seaweed cultivation and advanced fish nutrition to innovative shellfish farming and ecological sustainability practices. This engagement, coupled with a strategic visit to GreenWave hatchery in Connecticut, known for its regenerative ocean farming practices, underscores ARI’s commitment to driving forward the industry through relevant research and collaborative development, reinforcing its leadership in aquaculture innovation.

At the NACE conference, ARI participated in a panel discussion led by communication specialist Corinne Noufi. The panel brought together diverse perspectives covering a range of topics  from kelp aquaculture and nursery optimization to the complexities of scallop and finfish cultivation, as well as the importance of workforce development and communications. This session underscored ARIs dedication to fostering research that is not only academically rigorous but directly beneficial to the aquaculture industry. This approach effectively bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, ensuring ARI’s contributions impact the growth and sustainability of the aquaculture sector. Listeners can find the recording as part of ARIs Salty Talks Podcast. 

Prior to the conference, the visit to the GreenWave hatchery in Connecticut highlighted the importance ARI places on shared knowledge and industry relationships. This visit allowed ARI researchers to engage in-depth with other field experts, facilitating the exchange of innovative techniques and ideas. The primary focus of this visit was the exploration of advanced cultivation practices, particularly in the realm of seaweed culture. Using its new state-of-the-art photobioreactor (a system that uses controlled light and nutrients to grow algae more efficiently), ARI is at the forefront of advancements in these areas. The practices discussed are essential in addressing key challenges in the industry, such as optimizing resource use and reducing environmental impacts.

These discussions at GreenWave extended to encompass broader concerns within the aquaculture industry, including market dynamics, workforce development,  infrastructure challenges, and the role of aquaculture in climate change mitigation, reflecting ARI’s holistic approach to aquaculture research.

ARIā€™s attendance at  NACE provided a crucial interface between academic  and industry stakeholders, offering researchers and students valuable insights into the practical applications and implications of their research. This interaction is instrumental in fostering a collaborative space where academia and industry can converge, leading to innovations that are both scientifically sound and commercially viable.

BALTIMORE, MD ā€“ part of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, welcomed a community of aquaculture experts from both the U.S. and abroad during the 2nd annual SAS² Conference, held between October 17-20. This project in partnership with the 91±¬ĮĻ Aquaculture Research Institute, funded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), highlighted the value of collaborative research and partnerships.

IMET Director, Russell Hill, set the stage, emphasizing the transformative potential of sustainable aquaculture, showcasing how the SAS² project champions responsible salmon practices nationwide. Project Director, Dr. Yonathan Zohar, noted the reality that the U.S. imports 90% of its salmon. Such a heavy reliance on international sources underscores the urgency to bolster domestic salmon production, ensuring a sustainable and self-reliant supply chain. 

Throughout the event, participants engaged in multidisciplinary discussions focusing on practical measures to reduce carbon footprints,  innovative uses of waste in aquaculture, and the nuances of land-based salmon farming. Comprehensive panels also touched on the intricacies of U.S. aquaculture permits, risk assessments, and off-flavor mitigation 

Leading the way in educational initiatives, Scarlet Tudor and an undergraduate student, Katarina Minas, from the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) at the 91±¬ĮĻ provided attendees with an immersive experience via a virtual reality (VR) tour of 91±¬ĮĻā€™s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR). Through advanced imaging techniques, she showcased various facets of the facility, including her favorite, the lumpfish room. Minas envisions this VR tour as a critical tool for educators, enabling students from remote parts of Maine to learn about aquaculture and its career prospects.

Keynote speaker, Matthew Craze from Spheric Research, shed light on the shift in land-based aquaculture, spotlighting Norway’s adoption of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in salmon hatcheries and its innovative strides in supply chain management. Meanwhile, Daisy Berg from New Seasons Market shared a story of the Pacific Northwest’s evolution from a staunch wild salmon stronghold to recognizing the pivotal role of aquaculture innovations like RAS in sustaining wild salmon populations. Her insights challenged long-held perceptions and highlighted the synergy between traditional practices and modern innovations.

During the graduate student showcase, Halli Bair, an ARI student of Heather Hamlin, Director of the School of Marine Sciences, delved into her work focused on broodstock and offspring quality in Atlantic salmon. Her work aims to understand embryo survival rates in commercial hatcheries. This research could potentially reshape industry practices, offering an avenue to predict and improve fish performance early in the production lifecycle.

Culminating the conference, Steve Summerfelt from Superior Fresh and Steering Committee Chair of the SAS² project celebrated the collective ambition of attendees, articulating a unified vision: to solidify the U.S.’s position as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture. This conference not only celebrated past achievements but also set a clear goal for the U.S. aquaculture community, charting a path towards a sustainable and self-reliant future.

DAMARISCOTTA, ME ā€” Last Friday, Damariscotta served as a vibrant learning hub with the SEAMaine Educator Summit. This event drew participants from all over the aquaculture sector, providing educators with invaluable insights into Maineā€™s aquaculture industry, starting with seed sourcing at the upweller, an informative river cruise, and concluding with collaborative meetings among the participants.

Aboard the boat were individuals from various corners of the sector, including representatives from , , , the Aquaculture Research Institute, Lobster Institute, and , and to name a few. The diversity of attendees brought a variety of perspectives and a wealth of knowledge to the discussions, creating a rich and inclusive learning environment.

The day kicked off with a hands-on session at the dock around the upweller ā€“ a system used for growing oyster seeds in a controlled environment, optimizing their development ā€“ providing foundational knowledge about seed sourcing. This set the stage for the subsequent river cruise on the Damariscotta River, an educational opportunity allowing participants to delve into various aspects of the oyster aquaculture industry. Carter Newell, a seasoned oyster farmer, offered a first-hand experience of oyster harvesting while shedding light on different cultivation methods.

A stop at the workfloat tumbler, a device designed to gently tumble oysters, promoting their growth and forming a desirable shape and thickness of shell, affording participants a closer look at its significant role and operation in oyster aquaculture, enhancing their grasp of industry practices.

Anne Langston Noll, one of SEAMaineā€™s Co-Chair of the Workforce Development Committee, engaged the attendees with answers to a broad array of questions from lease applications to harvesting techniques, offering insights into the wider scope of aquaculture and underscoring the need for workforce development. The summit underlined the importance of proficiency and skills across all facets of aquaculture, equipping educators to steer their students towards careers in the sector.

As the morning session concluded, educators transitioned to afternoon presentations, moderated by Keri Kaczor, another of SEAMaineā€™s Co-Chairs of the Workforce Development Committee, showcasing the efforts of grant recipients working to advance workforce curriculum and training modules in Maine’s seafood industry. These grants, strategically designed to bolster Maine’s seafood economy, seek to build capacity for creating new curriculum and training modules, as well as attracting fresh, young talent to the sector.

During the afternoon session, presenters explored a diverse array of topics, ranging from virtual workforce awareness initiatives to hands-on aquaculture education and the creation of mariculture training modules. These initiatives have a dual impact, nurturing talent within specific sectors while contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of Maine’s seafood economy. 

Each presentation brought a unique perspective on how these initiatives support the growth and sustainability of Maine’s seafood sector as a whole. Educators shared project summaries showcasing successful strategies and discussed valuable lessons learned. Their insights offer actionable knowledge that can be applied across the seafood value chain, from harvest to distribution. The afternoon session served as an incubator for inventive ideas and approaches that will shape the future of Maine’s seafood industry, ensuring its competitiveness on a global scale. 

Throughout the summit, the collaborative spirit among educators and industry experts highlighted SEA Maine’s role in fortifying the seafood value chain, underscoring its significance in the industry’s collective growth and development

The SEAMaine Educator Summit not only provided educators with valuable insights into Maine’s aquaculture and seafood industry but also served as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation across the seafood sector. It exemplified the dedication and passion of individuals and organizations working together to nurture the next generation of seafood professionals in Maine, positioning the state’s seafood industry for ongoing strength and adaptability in an ever-changing global landscape.

For additional details and media coverage, .

This summer, 91±¬ĮĻ Ph.D. student Chris Noren leads the third year of Atlantic sea scallop data collection in Damian Brady’s lab, an affiliate faculty member of the Aquaculture Research Institute. . The rise of domestic & sustainable seafood as an increasingly desirable and necessary product, naturally compels the scallop industry to develop farmed counterparts as efficiently as possible. Until then, the supply-demand gap increases, leading the Brady Lab to develop sustainable industry practices for an emerging US aquaculture subsector, beginning with culture methods. 

Still, lantern nets have their limitations. Farming shellfish is backbreaking labor, with biofouling, sediment, and gear itself contributing to a weight hovering around 300 lbs. Most days, you can see the process in action, with Noren and his interns Ruth Havener and Gary Moline going between the experimental farm and the processing station on their floating dock (affectionately named Norman). Their routine is a good reminder of why a collaborative team makes all the difference. 

During the off-season, Havener studies at Duke University. However, she comes from a Maine family with multigenerational ties to the lobster industry. Life on the water has always been a cornerstone for her, but she did not realize her passion for Maine aquaculture until she meditated on life outside of the state. Aside from asserting ā€œscallops are the best-tasting seafood,ā€ Havener values their intersection with eDNA research. ā€œIā€™m doing this internship to learn more about the aquaculture industry and its practices so I can apply it to my future career.ā€ When Moline is away from his marine biology program at the 91±¬ĮĻ, he calls Belfast home. What began as a recreational diving trip in Mexico bloomed into ā€œa whole new worldā€ of possibility. Hands-on experience solidified his pathway during his time in ARIā€™s Aquatic Animal Health course. Each has a unique aquaculture background, but both Ruth and Gary ultimately share the desire to stay connected to the water.

ā€œItā€™s work for sure, but it doesnā€™t feel like it,ā€ according to Moline. Sustained progress on critical work requires a passionate cohort. Through their joint efforts, we can better understand why innovative  research is crucial throughout aquaculture, with scallops as no exception. Noren is taking additional initiative by looking into site optimization and different culture methods using innovative gear. Coupled with unique, strategic technology will solidify upward mobility of the stateā€™s industry.

Norenā€™s bifurcated interests relate to gear innovation and temperature oscillation. Workability and efficiency are necessary considerations for scallop aquaculture, and lantern nets somewhat contradict the true capacity of suspended culture. Noren looks to contemporary Japanese farms, which serve as a gold standard for scallop operations. Japan employs an innovative growout alternative: ear-hanging. The name paints a unique visual of how the system works;  nets on a longline are replaced by suspended ropes with scallops spaced a few inches apart and secured by a pin positioned by their notch. Decades of implementation abroad indicates this system works well, with reduced biofouling, making the lines easier to handle. This alone contributes to residual benefits, especially in terms of processing and maintenance. Understanding impacts of a scallop farmā€™s location is of equal importance when it comes to optimizing the sector. The secret to effective site selection is intrinsically tied to the second aspect of Norenā€™s research: growth implications of oscillating temperature.

Both research foci rely on several tools and key players across the state. Researchers at the Darling Marine Center reference parameters (chlorophyll, temperature, pH, and salinity) provided by the Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) Buoy, maintained by the Brady Lab. Concurrently, commercial growers from (Penobscot Bay) and Acadia Aqua Farm (Frenchman Bay) have been invaluable assets, offering high-value study sites that may be otherwise inaccessible to Noren and his peers. ā€œWe get to research under real conditions,ā€ he notes. The team will ā€œoften run small trials at our farm and then scale them to commercial farms to get a better understanding of their relevance. Growers are better able to assess whether our research would work at scale. So, we get real world results and the industry gets to alleviate some risk from being an early adopter of new research.ā€Research like Norenā€™s, alongside his mentorship for Havener and Moline, is crucial forĢż Maineā€™s blue economy as it continues to accelerate. While industry leaders and researchers in the sector are the primary demographic for his work, his reach extends far beyond that. Producing informed and passionate externs is a crucial step in moving the industry forward as well. Their curiosity is contagious, and the impact from their knowledge can be limitless. Like the tide, scallop research moves fast. Keep up with groundbreaking findings in Chrisā€™ upcoming paper: How scallop growth oscillates with temperature and season for sustainable development of the scallop aquaculture sector.

The beginning of May at the Darling Marine Center welcomes us with blooming birches, warmer sun, and the end of another academic year, giving graduate students the opportunity to present their research. This past week, more than 60 School of Marine Sciences graduate students, some affiliated with the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI), gathered for a symposium in Brooke Hall to highlight innovative work in their fields of study. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, from genetics to environmental monitoring, demonstrating the diversity and depth of research conducted at ARI. Beyond the statistics and data, the research presented by these graduate students has a broader implication for climate change, environmental management, and environmental policy. With both warming waters and a growing aquaculture sector in Maine, itā€™s critical to understand our coastal ecosystem and the communities reliant upon them.

Shellfish research was the basis for many talks at the symposium as Chris Noren, Jamie Peterson, and Tom Kiffney focused on the future of scallops and oysters. Noren, one of Damian Bradyā€™s students, discussed the importance of understanding how scallop growth oscillates with temperature and season for sustainable development of the sector. Peterson, a student of Paul Rawson and Kiffney, another student of Damain Brady both concentrated on oyster development. Kiffney discussed the difference between diploid and triploid oyster growth in the Damariscotta River. Triploid oysters, containing three sets of chromosomes instead of two (diploidy) are nearly sterile, allowing them to grow faster and larger, as energy is not spent on reproducing. Peterson spoke about oxylipins, looking at the impact they have on early stage development. Oxylipins, produced by marine diatoms, algae, and certain bacteria can cause abnormalities or be toxic to marine organisms. Understanding the detrimental impacts of oxylipins can provide useful information for larval rearing in hatcheries. Bobby Morefield, working in Heather Hamlinā€™s lab presented his work examining the role that sex pheromones can play in the mitigation of sea lice infestations on Atlantic Salmon. 

Impacts of climate change and aquatic animal health were also presented at the symposium. Kate Liberti and Rene Francolini, both working in the Brady lab, underscored the importance of understanding the ecology and oceanography of Maineā€™s coastline. Liberti talked about temporal and spatial differences in aragonite saturation in Casco Bay. Aragonite is a form of calcium carbonate, necessary for shellfish growth. Organisms may be stressed and have a harder time forming their shells when aragonite saturation levels fall below one. These lower levels of aragonite saturation are due to increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, so following the processes and changes impacting carbon dioxide can be useful as an indicator to understand how aragonite saturation state is changing in Casco Bay. Francolini spoke about kelp forests and understanding genetic connectivity of different populations along the coast. Genetic information at the population level can provide useful insight into how different populations of kelp will react to changing oceanic conditions. This baseline knowledge is imperative as kelp is an essential nursery habitat for many native species along Maineā€™s coastline. Another one of Bradyā€™s students, Sydney Greenlee, honed in on early detection of harmful algal blooms (HABs) using environmental DNA (eDNA). Pseudo-nitzschia australis, a marine diatom, can cause the blooms which can result in amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans, as well as pose negative health impacts to marine mammals and seabirds. Prior methods made it challenging to distinguish between toxin and non-toxin producing Pseudo-nitzschia species. eDNA can serve as a rapid detection and quantification tool for these HABs, alerting managers to the presence of diatoms in their samples so they can close shellfish harvesting before toxins are present.

Kazu Templeā€™s, a student of Ian Bricknell, is looking into the parasitic relationship of Profilicollis botulus, a prevalent parasite in green crabs and the impact this may have on the native eider duck population. The European green crab, an invasive species posing challenges to shellfish growers and harvesters in the intertidal, is the host of the parasite Profilicollis botulus known as a ā€œspiny-headed worm.ā€ When other animals such as the eider duck eat green crabs, they also become infected. Knowledge of this parasitic interaction between green crabs and other organisms is useful, as green crabs have been suggested as bait for the lobster industry and can also provide informative data about the spread of green crabs as an invasive species across different regions in Maine.

The breadth and future impact of the research presented by these graduate students is impressive. This symposium serves as a reminder of the enormous potential this new generation of scientists has to shape the future of our marine ecosystems and coastal economies.

ORONO, Maine ā€“ The Aquaculture Research Institute has been awarded $2.25 million per year of congressional programmatic funding from the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) for research on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center.

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) represent an increasingly important technology in the field of aquaculture. These land-based culture systems not only boost production and strengthen domestic aquaculture, but also reduce dependence on coastal ecosystems and enhance resilience to changing environmental conditions. With innovative research and effective management, RAS operations have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about sustainable aquaculture. 

In conjunction with an existing USDA-ARS Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (NACA), this new funding will help establish ARI as a nationally recognized RAS research facility, focusing on shellfish and finfish species. Prioritized research includes the development of domestic broodstock, sustainable alternative feeds, the impacts of climate change, innovations in waste processing, reduction of environmental impacts, elimination of off-flavor compounds like geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), and overall more energy efficient systems at the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture (CCAR). 

ā€œWeā€™re committed to expanding our knowledge and expertise in RAS to culture fish and shellfish in a way thatā€™s productive and profitable, while ensuring the highest standards of animal well-being. The goal here is to optimize production, efficiency and sustainabilityā€  explains Deborah Bouchard, Director of the Aquaculture Research Institute. 

This $2.25 million in funding represents a significant investment not only for the future of the RAS industry but for workforce development as well. Several new full-time positions have been created through both ARI and USDA-ARS, enhancing infrastructure at CCAR and expanding the facilityā€™s capabilities for cutting-edge research and development. 

ā€œThis will allow ARI and USDA to continue work on improving Atlantic salmon reproductive inefficiencies. Low eye-up rates have plagued the salmon industry for the past 15 years. A new reproductive physiologist will be hired that will address these inefficiencies. In addition, a new fisheries biologist will be hired that will address off-flavor and water quality as it relates to salmon grown in RAS,ā€ says Brian Peterson, Director National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center.

Ultimately, this will lead to a more sustainable and profitable future for the domestic aquaculture industry while making high-quality protein more accessible. 

Thousands of people made their way to New Orleans last week to celebrate Mardi Gras. While beads and cups filled the streets and the smell of fresh baked beignets warmed the air (though maybe it was just the humidity), representatives of Maineā€™s aquaculture community gathered in the Crescent City last weekend for a different reason: to highlight sustainable aquaculture in Maine. Aquaculture America, the largest national aquaculture conference, held February 23-26, showcased the incredible research, innovation, and workforce development across Maineā€™s booming aquaculture sector in a session chaired by Deborah Bouchard and Meggan Dwyer from the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI). 

Speakers from the 91±¬ĮĻ, Educate Maine, The Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Long Cove Sea Farms, Colby College, and the University of New Hampshire demonstrated the multidisciplinary work from 91±¬ĮĻā€™s microcredential pathway, to using pheromones as a means to control sea lice. The take away from the session was clear; the aquaculture sector in Maine is robust, from the detailed innovation and research to the broader engagement of industry and education.

Workforce development strategy is crucial for the future of Maineā€™s aquaculture sector. ā€œCreating clear and comprehensive occupational standards, standardizing workforce training across the state, and involving industry to align these trainings with workforce needs is something Maine is doing well,ā€ points out Carissa Maurin with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Projects such as the , , and the Aquaculture Experiential Opportunities for Undergraduate Students (AquEOUS) are excellent examples of creating critical partnerships between industry leaders, educational institutions, and employers with emphasis on experiential learning and diversifying the workforce. 

Understanding Maineā€™s coastal livelihoods and consumer preferences as they relate to aquaculture are equally as important as workforce development. ā€œSeaweed aquaculture in the United States, particularly in Maine, is expanding. Comprehension of how this industry fits into existing working waterfront communities can provide insight into the potential this industry has to diversify income in rural communities previously reliant on fisheries or other marine jobs,ā€ Jennifer Meredith, Assistant Professor of Economics at Colby College explains. A glimpse into the natural resource economics of seaweed in Maine is part of the larger project with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, looking at Gulf of Maine Seaweeds as a feed additive to lower methane emissions from dairy and beef production. Economic impact of the seaweed industry is also being looked at from a consumer perspective. Qiujie Zheng, Associate Professor of Business Analytics at the 91±¬ĮĻ presented a novel study telling a compelling story of why understanding consumer attitudes towards seaweed and value-added products is crucial for farmers and . Helping farmers find channels to improve consumer knowledge of seaweed products and educating them on how to prepare seaweed at home easily can begin to break down perceived barriers for those reluctant to experimenting with these value added products. 

Aquaculture as it relates to climate change and environmental impact was a common theme amongst presentations as well. Reduced plastics, carbon capture, ropeless gear, and insect meal highlight the innovation, value, and dedication to sustainable aquaculture throughout the state. As microplastics continuously pop up in news headlines, Abby Barrows of shed a bit of light articulating what aquaculture could look like without plastics. In collaboration with Sue Van Hook at in Pembroke, ME, these women are working to produce environmentally friendly gear that is scalable and comparable in price to what is already available using an unlikely material, mushrooms, to create . Gear innovation was also emphasized in Michael Cooganā€™s research through the University of New Hampshire, looking into ropeless gear technology for offshore bivalve culture. On the seaweed front, Adam St. Gelais, Aquaculture Innovation Specialist with ARI discussed macroalgae carbon dioxide removal through the first of its kind ā€œLife Cycle Sustainability Assessment,ā€ with the integration of both social and economic analysis. ā€œTo achieve full sustainability of the seaweed sector, both social and economic impacts must be well understood,ā€  Adam explained. Sustainability of fin fish aquaculture in Maine is on the rise as well. Assistant Professor of Fish Nutrition and Nutrigenomics Michael Habtetsion presented successful results from his research looking into sustainable feed development using insects as an alternative to fish meal for Atlantic salmon.

In conjunction with carving the path toward a more sustainable future industry, researchers in Maine are also working on creative solutions to problems that sometimes arise in aquaculture such as ā€œoff-flavorā€ and sea lice. Bobby Harrington and Bobby Morefield both with the 91±¬ĮĻ ARI are working on innovative solutions to address these issues. Harrington, a research associate at ARI has developed a more effective solution than current methods to test for naturally occurring compounds present in recirculating aquaculture systems which can result in an ā€œoff-flavorā€ of the fish tissue. Morefield, a current PhD candidate presented his work looking at pheromones as means for pest management, with the idea of having a drug free and environmentally friendly means to control for sea-lice in aquaculture systems. 

ARIā€™s session in New Orleans demonstrated Fat Tuesday was not the only thing to be celebrated last week –  the expertise of industry, farmers, and researchers, and the success of innovation and workforce development across Maine is definitely worthy of a couple celebratory beads as well. Congregation of these speakers across the aquaculture sector illustrated how well-poised Maine is to strengthen and support successful growth of this industry in the region and at a national level.

Contact: Corinne Noufi corinne.noufi@maine.edu

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Awards

Five pilot projects were awarded funding, two of which are here in the state of Maine. Damian Brady, a joint faculty member with Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and the School of Marine Science (SMS) and Dana Morse, of Maine Sea Grant were selected for their project ā€œComparing the biolog¾±³¦²¹±ōĢżand economic performance of rigid trays and lantern nets for the nursery culture of Atlantic sea scallops.ā€ In collaboration with Maine scallop farmers, this project will compare rigid trays with industry standard lanterns nets, two types of nursery gear differing in material and mesh size. Scallop growth and economic data will be incorporated into an existing bioeconomic model of scallop farming andĢżshared with stakeholders through outreach and extension.

Paul Rawson, a joint faculty member with ARI and SMS, Adam St Gelais of ARI, and Dana Morse of Maine Sea Grant were also awarded funding for research looking at ā€œOptimizing settlement substrate and nursery practices in support of razor clam (Ensis leei) farming.ā€ Although there is strong interest in razor clam production within the shellfish industry, there is a lack of reliable razor clam seed. The current labor effort and logistical planning to grow these clams to seed size within a hatchery is strenuous. This project will address these challenges by developing technologies for culturing razor clam seeds outside the hatchery, by supplying the grower with clams in an earlier (larval) stage – including experiments to establish which sediments maximize production with hopes to increase survival and lower costs.Ģż

NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Awards

The 91±¬ĮĻ also received two S-K grant awards. Professor of Marine Ecology at UMM and ARI affiliate, Brian F. Beal, was awarded $300,000 for his project ā€œAn examination of softshell clam, Mya arenaria L., fecundity along the Maine coast: the influence of clam size, tidal height, season, and geographic region.ā€ This project seeks to understand how reproductive effort changes with age of the organism, and how both spatial and temporal variability impact egg production and spawning related to clam size. Research findings will inform decision makers regarding rules and regulations to promote sustainable softshell clam production, as the population is currently declining.Ģż

Dr. Timothy Bowden, a joint faculty member with ARI and the School of Food Agriculture brought in $299,992 for his project examining ā€œProbiotics to improve sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) hatchery success.ā€ Bowdenā€™s project will optimize hatchery methodologies to create a more reliable seed source for scallops and enable year-round hatchery production of larvae by improving larval health and reproduction. This research could increase the economic value of sea scallop landings in Maine, benefiting the industry, both wild caught and farmed.

Both these projects focus on the 2nd priority of the S-K funding: technology promoting sustainable US seafood production and harvesting.

NOAA Sea Grant Awards

ARI, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, 91±¬ĮĻ CCAR, and Maine Sea Grant were all also awarded funding totalling 2.12 million dollars. The projects range in topics from enhancing US finfish and shellfish broodstock to community engagement.

ā€œNutritional Strategies for Improved Larval Production of Marine Finfish with an Emphasis on Seriola sp.ā€ led by Matt Hawkyard at the Aquaculture Research Institute focuses on Seriola and will advance the development and expansion of marine finfish aquaculture in the US by furthering the capability to cultivate and produce larval feeds and assess the effects of “assess the effects of non-artificial, nutrient rich diets on growth and survival rates of both larval California yellowtail and yellowtail amberjack.

Ģż

Chris Davis Executive Director ofĢż the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, and ARI affiliated faculty Tim Bowden, Adam St Gelais, and Damian Bradyā€™s project ā€œā€˜Cracking the Shellā€™: A Collaborative Approach to Developing Hatchery Production of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Placopecten magellanicusā€ will determine best practices for larval rearing and settlement protocols, and broodstock conditioning and spawning. It will also look into how hatchery environments impact organism health, growth, and larval immune response, evaluate the economics of hatchery production at a commercial scale, and collaborate with community members and stakeholders.Ģż

Stephen Eddy, Director of 91±¬ĮĻ CCAR will work on a project titled ā€œDomestication and Breeding of Lumpfish to Accelerate Successful Commercialization and use for Sea Lice Biocontrol in the Northeast US.ā€ Eddyā€™s project will address the lack of US sourced, diverse, and self-sustaining Lumpfish used as a biological control for parasitic sea lice in farmed Atlantic Salmon. Starting with wild-caught juveniles from the Gulf of Maine, researchers will refine lumpfish husbandry protocols to establish a domesticated, genetically diverse breeding colony.Ģż These fish will enable hatchery production of up to 100,000 juveniles in the 3rd year of the project, which will be stocked into commercial salmon pens.Ģż

ā€œSupporting Industry Needs Through Maine Aquaculture Hub” will continue for two more years, implementing activities identified in the recently released 10-year Maine Aquaculture Roadmap. These activities will benefit Maine’s aquaculture industry, coastal communities, and general public, including workshop and outreach events, and various trainings. Additionally, through ARI and MAIC, an R&D and Education assessment will create a stronger relationship between the Hub and industry members by gauging industry research and training needs for future progress.Ģż

NOAAā€™s continued investment in aquaculture within the State of Maine demonstrates the important role this industry plays in fostering Maineā€™s coastal communities and economy. With continued R&D, Maine is well established to be a leader in the Nation for sustainably produced US seafood.

Author: Corinne Noufi