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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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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News Center Maine reported on a University of Maine program titled Science Education Addressing the Blue Economy and Rural Success (SEA BEaRS). A joint effort between the School of Marine Sciences and University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the program intends to bolster the next generation of marine scientists and industry leaders, equipping students with skills […]
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The ocean, the plants and animals that reside in it and the coastline it formed are integral to Maine’s economy and culture. While heritage industries like fishing and shipbuilding have persisted for centuries, they and other coastal industries are changing. Climate change and the loss of working waterfront threaten their viability, but new fisheries, products, […]
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H has launched virtual field trips for youth learners who wish to explore Maine’s thriving aquaculture industry. These immersive online experiences bring aquaculture to life, offering participants the chance to step inside cutting-edge facilities and learn directly from industry experts, all without traveling to them. Through virtual reality and accessible […]
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Mainebiz reported on a $10 million federal grant awarded to University of Maine researchers and their colleges to investigate using low-value wood to make sustainable jet fuel and fish feed. In partnership with UMass Lowell, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Arbiom, researchers aim to turn wood waste into valuable products and improve forest management.
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Millions of pounds of low-value wood, such as small diameter trees and branches, have been left behind in Maine’s forests due to the decline in pulp and paper production, stymied by drought, fire suppression and dropping demand. While there are very few existing market opportunities for this low-quality woody biomass, University of Maine researchers believe […]
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Maine Public, Mainebiz and WFVX (Channel 7) reported on the University of Maine’s upcoming Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce Innovation Center (SAWIC), the development, design and engineering for which will commence this fall. SAWIC will advance aquaculture talent development and innovation for Maine and beyond. The University of Maine System (UMS) Board of Trustees approved moving forward […]
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Development, design and engineering of the University of Maine’s Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce Innovation Center (SAWIC) will proceed this fall. SAWIC will advance aquaculture talent development and innovation for Maine and beyond. The University of Maine System (UMS) Board of Trustees approved moving forward with the design process for the 14,200-square-foot facility during its regular meeting […]
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The Ellsworth American highlighted a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation that was awarded to the Downeast Institute, a marine science field station for the University of Maine at Machias. The institute in Beals will use the grant funding to renovate four cottages for staff to use year-round. The cottages are adjacent to its […]
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