Researchers at the University of Maine at Machias are using a new survey method, environmental RNA, to understand the life cycle of Atlantic salmon. Maine’s Atlantic salmon population has experienced significant decline due to stressors including dams, overfishing and pollution. The Atlantic salmon teeters on the brink of extinction in the Gulf of Maine, and […]
Read more
The Aquaculture Research Institute drives the development of Maine’s aquaculture industry and working waterfronts. The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) at the University of Maine is charting the future of aquaculture through research and development, extension programs and workforce training. By fostering innovation and nurturing talent, ARI reinforces UMaine’s reputation as a national hub for sustainable […]
Read more
by Erin Miller Atlantic sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus, are among the most valuable shellfish in New England. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), commercial landings were valued at $478 million in 2022. Atlantic scallops were Maine’s fifth most valuable fishery that year. The burgeoning industry offers great promise for working waterfronts, but […]
Read more
Article updated August 10, 2023 The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) hosted the 39th Fish Feeds and Nutrition Workshop from July 11 to 13 at the University of Maine. The conference brought together industry experts, researchers, and professionals in the field of aquaculture, providing a platform to explore the latest advancements in fish nutrition and feed […]
Read more
Professor of Marine Ecology Brian Beal has been a leader of marine research throughout the state of Maine and the University of Maine community for over 30 years. Growing up in Jonesport, Beal developed a deep connection with the sea that has fueled a lifelong interest in marine science. In the mid-1980s as local fishermen […]
Read more
Kelly Cole, UMaine assistant research professor of civil and environmental engineering, has been named Coordinator of UMaine’s Marine Aligned Research, Innovation, and Nationally-recognized Education (MARINE) initiative. Founded in early 2021, the UMaine MARINE initiative pulls together researchers from across the state to engage in innovative and interdisciplinary research, education and outreach related to the marine […]
Read more
The state of Maine has 3,500 miles of beautiful coastlines and many other inland waterways. And thriving spaces for outdoor recreation and tourism. Maine’s marine environment is also home to an essential fishing and aquaculture industry. The University of Maine MARINE initiative began as a series of small conversations and meetings between researchers across UMaine […]
Read more
Tom Kiffney is a marine science Ph.D. student based at the Darling Marine Center. His Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) project focuses on how to help potential aquaculturists choose the best site for their farm. The goal is to reduce the site selection risk for oyster and other shellfish farmers by using high-resolution satellite products […]
Read more
A team of students and researchers, led by Kristina Cammen, participated in the development and implementation of interdisciplinary methodologies in environmental science. Their findings, recently published in Oceanography, outline methods to provide undergraduate students with research experience, using an interdisciplinary framework for training, research and communication. The team used a case study focused on the […]
Read more
University of Maine aquaculture researcher Meggan Dwyer, one of 10 winners in October’s Maine Sea Grant’s Buoy Maine competition, received $14,000 for her project titled “Can It, Maine! Adding Value and Resilience to Maine’s Shellfish Seafood Sector.” The Buoy Maine competition was developed to strengthen coastal/marine seafood and tourism-related industries, as well as redefining these […]
Read more
A collaborative program between the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) at the University of Maine and aquaculture industry partners supported 13 undergraduate interns in a wide range of hands-on research and work experiences this summer. Aquaculture research covers broad topic areas, such as fish health, product development, impacts of ocean acidification, species husbandry and science communication […]
Read more
The advancement of sustainable aquaculture (the farming of aquatic species while allowing continued benefit for the next generation) requires innovative research and multi-disciplinary collaborations for success. The University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) is celebrating 10 years of service to the State of Maine as a research resource and an objective authority on aquaculture. […]
Read more
Seaweed food products are trending – but do consumers know what they are buying? Search “eating seaweed” on Google and you’ll get pages of headlines promoting health benefits of consuming the ocean-dwelling algae. “Packed full of vitamins!” “Low in fat and full of fiber!” “Seaweed is a superfood!” In its raw state, seaweed does, in […]
Read more
Principal Investigator: Susan Brawley (Marine Science, UMaine) Partners: Luz Kogson (UMaine), Sarah Redmond (UMaine Marine Extension Team/Maine Sea Grant), Shep Erhart (Maine Coast Sea Vegetables), Seth Barker (Maine Fresh Sea Farms), Phil Harrington Bait (Wholesale Marine Worms), J. West (Commercial Fisherman) Abstract: Interest in sea vegetables as a healthy superfood was one of the top food trends […]
Read more