Scallop aquaculture focus of July 7 Belfast presentation
The top quality and premium price of Maine sea scallops has some people interested in starting a cultured scallop industry in Maine. On Thursday, July 7 in Belfast, Dana Morse will present information on the advancing technology of scallop aquaculture to shellfish producers, chefs, fishermen, and others. Morse, who has visited scallop farms in Canada and Japan, will present details of various scallop production methods, market information, and business models.
Morse also will review the techniques and results from scallop culturing efforts in Maine since 1999, when Maine fishermen began experimenting with enhancing wild stocks of scallops by collecting juvenile scallop seed or “spat.”
“Maine’s waters have been very productive in terms of the number of scallops that can efficiently be collected,” said Morse, a marine extension associate with Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension. “With the seafood industry looking for opportunities to diversify, shellfish aquaculture presents unique opportunities as well as challenges.”
The presentation begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend the free discussion, but registration is requested. To RSVP, please call 207.563.3146 x205, or email dana.morse@maine.edu.
For more information, visit the Maine Sea Grant Web site.
June 20, 2011
Contact Dana Morse (207) 563-3146 x205