{"id":48848,"date":"2024-02-27T13:32:17","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T18:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/?p=48848"},"modified":"2024-03-14T14:14:15","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T18:14:15","slug":"developing-maines-aquaculture-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/2024\/02\/27\/developing-maines-aquaculture-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Developing Maine\u2019s aquaculture industry"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-_06e24e-d1 .kt-block-spacer{height:60px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-_06e24e-d1 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-_06e24e-d1\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-4abc205\" data-block-id=\"4abc205\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\"><em>The Aquaculture Research Institute drives the development of Maine\u2019s aquaculture industry and working waterfronts.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">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\u2019s reputation as a national hub for sustainable aquaculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ARI, which is directed by Deborah Bouchard, associate professor of aquatic animal health, advances research and development initiatives that are broad, integrated and pivotal to industry sustainability. The research spans from enhancing sustainable feeds and boosting climate change resilience to improving hatchery technologies. An example of the technology that powers ARI\u2019s innovation is a new state-of-the-art photobioreactor at the Darling Marine Center. The photobioreactor cultivates algae efficiently under controlled conditions, reduces reliance on wild kelp and supports high-density growth. It also nurtures gametophytes that growers can use to enhance strains for traits such as growth and nutritional value. Such technology illustrates ARI\u2019s commitment to sustainable aquaculture amid a changing climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A critical dimension of ARI\u2019s work stems from its partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (UDSA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS). This collaboration, supported by programmatic funding, advances research in critical areas such as Atlantic salmon health, emerging pathogens, and nutritional advancements in feed. A recent significant outcome of this collaboration is the development of a method for efficiently detecting a serious viral pathogen affecting salmon. This advancement, crucial for managing the health of salmon populations, positively impacts the industry enabling a faster response to preventing disease outbreaks, improving both economic and animal welfare outcomes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the realm of shellfish aquaculture, ARI collaborates with USDA to develop disease-resistant strains and introduce new species in both hatchery and field settings at the Darling Marine Center. These strategies aim to boost the vitality and yield of shellfish stocks. This collaborative work enhances the sector\u2019s resilience to climate variability, which is vital to Maine\u2019s blue economy. Beyond advancing fundamental science, ARI research also develops practical enhancements in aquaculture techniques and production, improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Students visit the Darling Marine Center's aquaculture site by boat.\" class=\"wp-image-48791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-105x59.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-317x178.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-423x238.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-634x357.jpg 634w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-846x476.jpg 846w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-951x535.jpg 951w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Students-visit-the-Darling-Marine-Centers-aquaculture-site.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,1024px\" \/><figcaption><em>Students visit the Darling Marine Center&#8217;s aquaculture site.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Workforce development is also a cornerstone of ARI\u2019s mission, empowering the next generation of aquaculture professionals with practical skills and knowledge. Through internships, capstone projects, and fellowships, ARI faculty are actively involved in mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students. Through fellowship programs like our new Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU), ARI provides students with immersive research opportunities that let them tackle real-world problems in aquaculture while engaging with indigenous knowledge. These hands-on experiences are essential for bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application, ensuring students are prepared to excel in the fast-evolving aquaculture landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through its strategic participation in key industry advisory boards and partnership with the USDA\u2019s ARS and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, ARI aligns its research efforts with the evolving needs of the industry. This collaborative model is instrumental in the sector\u2019s employment surge, supporting more than 700 jobs. Since 2017, efforts have led to a doubling of the sector\u2019s revenues, directly benefiting more than 1,000 households, demonstrating ARI\u2019s role in not just advancing research, but also in bolstering economic growth and enhancing the wellbeing of numerous communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking forward, ARI is preparing for the ground breaking of the Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce and Innovation Center (SAWIC), which represents a significant step toward sustainable aquaculture advancement. This new facility will be a hub for pioneering research and specialized workforce training, aimed at equipping the aquaculture industry with innovative solutions and skilled professionals in Maine. SAWIC will address critical sustainability challenges through focused research on fish health, feed efficiency, and breeding methods. It will also serve as a catalyst for workforce excellence, offering programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skill-building. This will expose students to cutting-edge aquaculture practices and position them to lead in an evolving industry. SAWIC demonstrates ARI\u2019s commitment to driving aquaculture\u2019s growth and sustainability through innovation and workforce development, positioning ARI as a leader in the industry\u2019s future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block stk-21f123e\" data-block-id=\"21f123e\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong><em>AquEOUS: Aquaculture Experiential Opportunities for Undergraduate Students<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>AquEOUS: Aquaculture Experiential Opportunities for Undergraduate Students, led by the UMaine Wabanaki Center and Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI), is one of 23 Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates awarded in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The UMaine fellowship program is offered for five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Undergraduate students from across the nation are learning about sustainable aquaculture in Maine through the lens of Indigenous science and knowledge in a new University of Maine initiative funded by the USDA\u2019s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through the program, students and staff complete 10-week research projects and participate in training that enhances inclusive science communication skills, Indigenous knowledge and field techniques.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Aquaculture Research Institute drives the development of Maine\u2019s aquaculture industry and working waterfronts.&nbsp; 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\u2019s reputation as a national hub for sustainable 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Aquaculture Research Institute drives the development of Maine\u2019s aquaculture industry and working waterfronts.&nbsp; 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\u2019s reputation as a national hub for sustainable aquaculture. ARI, which is directed by Deborah Bouchard, associate professor of aquatic animal health, advances research and development initiatives that are broad, integrated and pivotal to industry sustainability. The research spans from enhancing sustainable feeds and boosting climate change resilience to improving hatchery technologies. An&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"<a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/category\/research-report\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Annual Research Report<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/category\/marine\/\" rel=\"category tag\">MARINE<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"emiller","url":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/author\/emiller\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":747,"label":"Annual Research Report"},{"value":624,"label":"MARINE"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2024\/02\/ari-Researchers-check-oyster-traps-in-the-Damariscotta-River-1024x576.jpg",1024,576,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"emiller","author_link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/author\/emiller\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":747,"name":"Annual Research Report","slug":"research-report","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":747,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":14,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":747,"category_count":14,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Annual Research Report","category_nicename":"research-report","category_parent":0},{"term_id":624,"name":"MARINE","slug":"marine","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":624,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":14,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":624,"category_count":14,"category_description":"","cat_name":"MARINE","category_nicename":"marine","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48848","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/445"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48848"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48848\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48938,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48848\/revisions\/48938"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48848"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48848"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}