Marine Sciences

A photo of scallop lines underwater

UMaine research examines best methods for growing Atlantic sea scallops

A new study from the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and Darling Marine Center is helping to refine best practices for growing Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus), a species of increasing interest to Maine’s aquaculture sector. Published in the academic journal Aquaculture, the research compares two scallop farming methods, ear-hanging and lantern net […]

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UMaine experts participating in 2025 Maine Science Festival

University of Maine faculty and students will present at several events during the Maine Science Festival, a program of the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor that will include more than 70 events and activities from March 18-23.  The five-day celebration will showcase science and technology happening in Maine in the format of an arts or […]

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Beal discusses clam decline with Harpswell Anchor

For an article titled “Once a form of currency, quahogs remain a steady source of cash,” The Harpswell Anchor interviewed Brian Beal, professor of marine ecology at the University of Maine at Machias, on the decline in soft shell clams. “There’s no mystery,” said Beal, also director of the Downeast Institute. “The whole thing comes […]

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Kaczor discussing bringing inland, rural youth to sea with WFVX

WFVX (FOX 22/ABC 7 in Bangor) interviewed Kari Kaczor, the environmental literacy and workforce development program manager at Maine Sea Grant, on the “Bringing the Sea to Inland and Rural Youth” initiative, an effort to engage K-12 learners from inland and rural communities in ocean exploration.

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UMaine researchers present at AAAS annual meeting

Three University of Maine faculty — Heather Leslie, Sydne Record and Brenda Hall — spoke at the annual meeting for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on Feb. 14. AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher of cutting-edge research.  Leslie, professor of marine science who was named […]

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Media feature conference organized by UMaine Lobster Institute

News Center Maine, WABI (Channel 5) and Spectrum News Maine covered the 2025 U.S.-Canada Lobster Town Meeting in Bar Harbor organized by the University of Maine Lobster Institute. The conference was created to encourage bilateral interaction and conversation about the lobster industry. This year’s discussions focused on the ocean’s changing ecosystems, industry data and management […]

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A photo of a group of students on Maine's coast

All aboard, inland schools! Sea Grant program brings students to the waterfront

An educational program led by Maine Sea Grant at the University of Maine bridges the gap between inland and coastal Maine, giving students from rural communities hands-on access to the state’s vital marine ecosystems.  Since its launch in fall 2023, the “Bringing the Sea to Inland and Rural Youth” initiative connected nearly 400 middle and […]

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A photo of colorful buoys

UMaine-led team develops more holistic way to monitor lobster industry 

Maine’s lobster fishery — one that supports thousands of jobs statewide — is extensively monitored. Management efforts are informed by biological monitoring surveys observing changes in abundance and distribution of the lobster population, and dealer and harvester reporting from the industry. Yet these statistics don’t tell the whole story of an industry shaken by supply […]

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BDN, CBS 5 interview Brady on threats to aquaculture from climate change

The Bangor Daily News and WABI (CBS 5 in Bangor) interviewed Damian Brady, professor of marine sciences at the University of Maine, on the threats climate change presents to the aquaculture industry. Brady said challenges to the industry extend beyond the Gulf of Maine’s warming waters — which he explained also presents new opportunities — […]

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Morning Star interviews Burnham on fishery industry changes

The Maine Morning Star interviewed Theresa Burnham, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Maine School of Marine Sciences, on how the fishery industry is changing and the broader impact of those changes on the economy. “There are fewer variable professional fishermen than there were 20 years ago, but there are more fishermen fishing […]

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