Resources Database

Supporting marine science for Maine people focusing on Maine’s coastal communities, scientific research, and tomorrow's marine workforce.

Thesis paper explaining the work that went into creating the Oyster suitability Index.

A critical study that describes the growth potential for Maine's edible seaweed market over the next fifteen years. This report documents the size and nature of the business opportunity and identifies the requirements for sustainable growth.

In depth review of sea scallop biology, spat collection, nursery, grow out, gear, husbandry, site selection economic considerations and biotoxins/public health.

Kelp offers a promising way for fishermen to diversify their income streams in the lobster offseason, and it's also the newest seafood product GMRI verified under their Gulf of Maine Responsibly Harvested® label. The Gulf of Maine Responsibly Harvested® label is a promise that seafood hails from the clean, cool waters of the Gulf of Maine and the fishery or farm is managed in a way that contributes to the long-term health of the resource. The label empowers consumers to buy seafood they can feel good about.

Overview of how Pemaquid Mussel Farms reached their development goal of a 5 fold increase in production within 10 years to $15 million annually using new technology and business planning.

This report is based on the research priorities survey conducted in June 2019 of Maine’s aquaculture community and is compared with surveys from 2012 and 2016 to look at trends. There have been some changes in the prioritization of needs since 2016, but many of the same research, development, and education (R&D&E) needs persist and remain unaddressed. As expected, there are different R&D&E priorities for different aquaculture sectors.

Atlantic Captain’s Academy offers a variety of Coast Guard approved courses for Coast Guard captain’s license candidates.

This report assesses the potential market environment for Maine farm-raised sea scallops including political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal/regulatory, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Reviews quality, consistency, cleanliness, food safety, shape, flavor, year-round availability, timely shipping, attractive packaging and a nice name.

In-depth paper on the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The Coastal Satellite Oceanography team at University of Maine created a high resolution satellite imagery of the coast of Maine that uses sea surface temperature, turbidity, and chlorophyll concentration to determine oyster suitability.

A data-driven, quantitative market assessment that informs industry leaders and business owners about the potential scale and scope of markets for farmed shellfish and to facilitate strategic growth in the industry.

Detailed look into why site selection is so important including, biological requirements, physical characteristics, as well as social & regulatory factors.

Provides a summary of direct and indirect environmental factors that may affect your site selection for your marine aquaculture business.

Reviews the keys to running a successful business; the four P's of marketing, wholesale distributors, risks, and sales.

A study the researched and inventoried the seasonality, sources, and market utilization of locally produced seafood within the state and help educate food consumers at many different levels about the opportunities for gaining access to Maine seafood.

Video of a workshop that goes over niche marketing for raw bar cultured oysters, differentiating your product on qualities and adapting your marketing pitch, how to target key buyers and get maximum return.

ShellGIS is a desktop-based software tool that, for the choice of 14-commonly cultured shellfish species, enables dynamic predictions of shellfish production, environmental effects, and profitability according to culture practice and site selection within a given GIS domain.

An in-depth guide on kelp farming including how to set up a farm, the application process, nursery set-up, maintaining cultures, and farm site operations.

Use this to create your own farm-specific Best Management Practices (BMP) document use this template, a Microsoft Excel file in macro format.

Reviews business management skills, such as finance, record keeping, marketing, and personnel management. More aquaculture businesses fail because of poor management than poor production practices.