Sustainable, healthy, seafood

Maine’s seafood industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy, and research to support the industry will benefit the state as a whole. Last year, Maine’s catch of American lobster was 47,117 metric tons, valued at over $330 million and contributing 70% of the commercial fishing income in this state. Processing waste can reach 75-80% of the raw lobster by weight, representing a potentially valuable, underutilized resource. This research addresses environmental and economic sustainability of seafood processing in Maine, as well as the development of more healthful food products. Three stand-alone studies will be designed to address the following objectives: (1) extracting food-grade astaxanthin from lobster processing discards; (2) evaluating the effects of processing on fish oil fortification of foods; and (3) developing new processing technologies for farm-raised abalone.

Investigator: Skonberg, D.

Unit: School of Food and Agriculture

Termination Date: 30-Sep-18