Building Research-Industry Collaborations or Maine’s Marine Economyf

July 19, 2017 2016 Undergraduate Assistantship Awardees, RRF Undergraduate Assistant Awards, Uncategorized

Principal Investigator: Heather Leslie (UMaine, School of Marine Sciences and Darling Marine Center)

Partners: Damian Brady (UMaine, SMS/DMC), Jeremy Rich (UMaine, SMS/DMC, Carter Newell (Pemaquid Oyster Company)

Abstract: With some of the nation’s cleanest waters, a recognized brand, and a strong tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation, Maine is well poised to expand shellfish aquaculture into a larger industry. Close partnerships between scientists and Maine’s shellfish entrepreneurs are vital to ensure that the industry grows in a socially, environmentally, and economically smart manner. With more than 50 years of investment in Maine’s aquaculture industry, University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center (DMC) is well positioned to contribute to this goal. Building on the successful SEA Fellows pilot program led by Profs. Heather Leslie of the University of Maine and Brian Beal of University of Maine at Machias, we propose to develop an applied research project of direct relevance to Maine’s oyster farming industry. An undergraduate researcher will be recruited from University of Maine’s School of Marine Sciences (SMS) and co-advised by SMS faculty and industry professionals. Students, faculty, and industry professionals involved in this project will have opportunities to learn from a wider community of aquaculture researchers and practitioners through the SEA Fellows Sumer Science Symposium in August 2017 at the DMC. In addition to generating knowledge that directly addresses needs identified by Maine’s aquaculture industry, the proposed projects will train the next generation of aquaculture science and industry professionals. The project also complement those submitted by Dr. Beal of University of Maine at Machias. Together, these proposals will enhance the reputation and impact of the University of Maine System’s marine science programs and contribute to the sustainability of the SEA Fellows program and allied research-industry partnerships throughout the state.