SEAMaine Educator Summit Provides In-depth Look into Maine’s Aquaculture Sector

DAMARISCOTTA, ME — Damariscotta served as a vibrant learning hub last Friday, October 6, with the SEAMaine Educator Summit. Participants from all over the aquaculture sector attended this event, providing educators with invaluable insights into Maine’s aquaculture industry. The day included seed sourcing at the upweller, an informative river cruise, and concluded with collaborative meetings among the participants.

Aboard the boat were individuals from various corners of the sector, including representatives from Maine Sea Grant, the Aquaculture Research Institute, the Lobster Institute, Cooperative Extension, and Southern Maine Community College, to name a few. The diverse attendees contributed various perspectives and a wealth of knowledge to the discussions, creating a rich and inclusive learning environment.

DAMARISCOTTA, ME — Damariscotta served as a vibrant learning hub last Friday, October 6, with the SEAMaine Educator Summit. Participants from all over the aquaculture sector attended this event, providing educators with invaluable insights into Maine’s aquaculture industry. The day included seed sourcing at the upweller, an informative river cruise, and concluded with collaborative meetings among the participants.

Aboard the boat were individuals from various corners of the sector, including representatives from Maine Sea Grant, the Aquaculture Research Institute, the Lobster Institute, Cooperative Extension, and Southern Maine Community College, to name a few. The diverse attendees contributed various perspectives and a wealth of knowledge to the discussions, creating a rich and inclusive learning environment.

The day began with a hands-on session at the dock around the upweller– a system used for growing oyster seeds in a controlled environment, optimizing their development– providing foundational knowledge about seed sourcing. This session prepared for the subsequent river cruise on the Damariscotta River, an educational opportunity allowing participants to delve into various aspects of the oyster aquaculture industry. Carter Newell, a seasoned oyster farmer, provided a first-hand experience of oyster harvesting while shedding light on different cultivation methods.

At the work float tumbler— a device designed to gently tumble oysters, promoting their growth and forming a desirable shape and thickness of shell— participants gained a closer look at its significant role and operation in oyster aquaculture, enhancing their grasp of industry practices.

SEAMaine Chair of Workforce Development Committee Anne Langston engaged the attendees with answers to a broad array of questions from lease applications to harvesting techniques, offering insights into the wider scope of aquaculture and underscoring the need for workforce development. The summit underlined the importance of proficiency and skills across all facets of aquaculture, equipping educators to steer their students toward careers in the sector.

Beyond individual learning, the summit was a confluence of shared experiences and expertise from various institutions and organizations. This collaborative spirit is positioned to have a lasting positive impact on Maine’s aquaculture sector, with educators equipped to inspire students and nurture the next generation of aquaculture professionals in Maine.

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