Maine, with its miles of coastline, dense woodlands, and thriving marine ecosystems, has been home to the Wabanaki people for thousands of years. Long before settler colonialists forcefully claimed the land, the Wabanaki and other Indigenous peoples maintained a deep, reciprocal relationship with the creatures and natural resources they lived among. This July, ARI’s AquEOUS fellows learned more about Wabakani traditions and relationships to the land at the Whaleback Shell Middens in what is now Damariscotta, Maine. 

Shell Middens are cultural sites where heaps of shells, bones, and other materials have been collected over time. Archeologists use shell middens to gain information about historical timelines and communities. The Whaleback Middens, the largest in the region, reveal how Wabanaki tribes interacted with the coastal ecosystems that sustained them.

Under the guidance of 91±¬ÁĎ Professor Anthony Sutton, AquEOUS fellows delved into Wabanaki land rights, food sovereignty, storytelling, and value systems. As the original stewards of the land, Wabanaki tribes nurtured a relationship with the coast of Maine that emphasized reciprocity. A guiding principle of Indigenous interactions with the environment is the idea of using the land in respectful and non-extractive ways. Indigenous knowledge is passed down through generations, often with oral storytelling. Professor Sutton’s storytelling and interactive teaching allowed AquEOUS fellows to gain a deeper understanding of Wabanaki history as they stood on unceded territory. 

Passing around bundles of sweetgrass, dried fiddleheads, and cooked clams, everyone learned with all their senses as they listened to a Wabanaki creation story. By considering different knowledge systems, AquEOUS fellows were practicing Two-Eyed Seeing. First introduced in a western context by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, the Two-Eyed Seeing approach is a way to see the world through the lenses of both Indigenous knowledge systems and western science. Weaving the two together broadens our understanding of the natural world and helps us find new sustainable ways of being and knowing.

Article was written by Aqueous fellow Rida Ali

The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) showcased its work at the State House in Augusta, Maine, during the Hall of Flags event on March 14th. This event, an annual conduit for dialogue among legislators, community groups, and the University, offered ARI an invaluable platform to share its mission within the critical theme of “Climate Adaptation.”

The Hall of Flags facilitates direct interaction between policymakers and researchers through exhibits that communicate their missions and accomplishments. In this setting, ARI, along with 91±¬ÁĎ’s Cooperative Extension, highlighted pressing issues under the broader challenge of climate-driven agricultural difficulties. This selection of topics served as a springboard for ARI to demonstrate its dedication to environmental sustainability and its leadership in conducting research geared toward the sustainable growth of the state’s aquaculture sector. Such efforts are essential not only for promoting dialogue but also for influencing policy and legislative measures aimed at fostering sustainable development, safeguarding the environment, and enhancing climate resilience.

ARI’s participation in the event showcased how the institute is pioneering the advancement of climate-smart aquaculture through a blend of resilience, in-depth research, and strategic partnerships. ARI’s activities at the Experimental Sea Farm at the Darling Marine Center target the nexus of climate resilience and aquaculture innovation. Central to its strategy are efforts to electrify farm operations to cut emissions, research on sustainable aquaculture species such as kelp and shellfish for their positive environmental impacts, and initiatives to fortify systems against climate-related threats. These endeavors are proactive steps towards guaranteeing the sustainability and adaptability of Maine’s aquaculture sector amidst climatic shifts. Research priorities extend beyond the farm including enhancing the viability of land-based systems, developing strains resistant to genetic challenges, and tackling emerging pathogens. 

With a continuous push toward development of sustainable aquaculture systems, Maine’s aquaculture sector is poised for success in an evolving marine ecosystem. This progression is pivotal for ensuring food security and promoting environmental sustainability. Through its pursuit of research, resilience, and collaborative efforts, ARI is steering the aquaculture sector towards a sustainable future in the face of climate change.

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.

ARI’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.

Belfast, ME — The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI), in partnership with Educate Maine, furthered Maine’s aquaculture sector by hosting the first “Annual Student Symposium for the Advancement of the Blue Economy” in Belfast. This groundbreaking event celebrated the growth of Maine’s blue economy, providing a unique platform for undergraduate students to showcase their summer work, network with industry professionals, and engage in discussions about the future of Maine’s marine and freshwater sectors.

This symposium spotlighted the work of dozens of students, including twelve externs and six Aquaculture Experiential Opportunities for Undergraduate Students (AquEOUS) Program Fellows from ARI who completed diverse research projects across the state. Their ventures ranged from assessing the viability of small-scale shrimp land-based farming and investigating the impacts of invasive tunicate species on mussels to devising strategies against the invasive European green crab and examining the potential restocking strategies for the American eel population in Maine.

A panel discussion featured young professionals who are still shaping their career paths with a shared sentiment of exploration and discovery. The conversations underscored the idea that Maine’s Blue Economy is a tight-knit community, thriving on connections, adaptability, and the courage to venture into new territories. In this evolving industry, students are encouraged to be innovative and forward-thinking, and to engage with opportunities of which they might have been previously unaware.

Several media outlets covered the symposium, spotlighting its significance in addressing workforce development challenges within the aquaculture sector. This coverage emphasized the event’s role in fostering a specialized workforce, essential for the growth of the industry.

Coverage can be accessed through the following links:

The symposium was a testament not only to the academic and technical growth of the externs but also to the impactful relationships they cultivated with their mentors. As Randi Phillips, one of ARIs externs reflected, “Sarah is wonderful to work under and I’m just happy I get to learn from her. Because I’ve known I want to get into research, that means getting a master’s, potentially a PhD and I think mentorship from Sarah and other grad students has given me a lot of experience and direction.” To gain a more intimate understanding of these personal journeys, .

The event illuminated the transformative experiences that are shaping these students’ personal and professional trajectories. Anticipating a bright future for Maine’s blue economy, ARI and Educate Maine are committed to fostering platforms that will cultivate a new generation of aquaculture experts.

This summer, 91±¬ÁĎ 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 “scallops are the best-tasting seafood,” Havener values their intersection with eDNA research. “I’m doing this internship to learn more about the aquaculture industry and its practices so I can apply it to my future career.” When Moline is away from his marine biology program at the 91±¬ÁĎ, he calls Belfast home. What began as a recreational diving trip in Mexico bloomed into “a whole new world” of possibility. Hands-on experience solidified his pathway during his time in ARI’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.

“It’s work for sure, but it doesn’t feel like it,” 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 state’s industry.

Noren’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 farm’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 Noren’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. “We get to research under real conditions,” he notes. The team will “often 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.”Research like Noren’s, alongside his mentorship for Havener and Moline, is crucial for  Maine’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 Chris’ 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, it’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 Brady’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 Hamlin’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 Maine’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 Maine’s coastline. Another one of Brady’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 Temple’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 “spiny-headed worm.” 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 – 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). 

“We’re committed to expanding our knowledge and expertise in RAS to culture fish and shellfish in a way that’s productive and profitable, while ensuring the highest standards of animal well-being. The goal here is to optimize production, efficiency and sustainability”  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 facility’s capabilities for cutting-edge research and development. 

“This 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,” 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 Maine’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 Maine’s booming aquaculture sector in a session chaired by Deborah Bouchard and Meggan Dwyer from the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI). 

Speakers from the 91±¬ÁĎ, 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±¬ÁĎ’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 Maine’s aquaculture sector. “Creating 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,” 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 Maine’s coastal livelihoods and consumer preferences as they relate to aquaculture are equally as important as workforce development. “Seaweed 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,” 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±¬ÁĎ 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 Coogan’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 “Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment,” with the integration of both social and economic analysis. “To achieve full sustainability of the seaweed sector, both social and economic impacts must be well understood,”  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 “off-flavor” and sea lice. Bobby Harrington and Bobby Morefield both with the 91±¬ÁĎ 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 “off-flavor” 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. 

ARI’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