Workshop to Focus on Growing Seaweed

In Maine and elsewhere, the field of seaweed cultivation is experiencing increased interest from aquaculturists, harvesters, researchers and those in the business of making products from marine macroalgae. This is due to some innovative research being conducted in the region, and because Maine now has the first and only commercial kelp aquaculture operation in the United States, Portland-based Ocean Approved.

The seaweed industry will be the subject of a workshop on Thursday, August 30 at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center in Walpole. The workshop will cover the biology, culture techniques and products being made from seaweed, and will review the findings of a recent technology transfer project in kelp-shellfish polyculture, funded by the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center.

“Put the research together with the commercial activity, and there’s a buzz building,” says Dana Morse, a marine extension associate with Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension. “At this workshop, we hope to discuss future needs in research, product development, equipment and husbandry.”

The workshop will take place in DMC’s Brooke Hall.

There is no cost for the workshop, but space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Dana Morse at (207) 563-3146 ext. 205 or dana.morse@maine.edu, or Sarah Redmond at (207) 422-6289 or sarah.redmond@maine.edu. For more information, seagrant.umaine.edu/extension/kelp-mussels.

Contact: Dana Morse, (207) 563-3146 ext. 205 or dana.morse@maine.edu; Sarah Redmond, (207) 422-6289 or sarah.redmond@maine.edu