Resources Database

The business structure you choose influences everything from day-to-day operations, to taxes, to how much of your personal assets are at risk. You should choose a business structure that gives you the right balance of legal protections and benefits.

Guidance on the five steps to form an LLC; chose a name, find a registered agent, file certificate of formation, create an operating agreement, and get an EIN.

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

Dr. Carole Engle, a specialist in aquaculture economics, gives an overview on how to survive during cash deficits using short-term cash management plans and determining how much debt is too much to take on by calculating the debt to asset ratio.

Established in 1920 and revised in 2006, the Jones Act is a federal statute for the United States that provides the laws and regulations for U.S. waters and ports.

Frequently Asked Questions to help employees and employers gain a general understanding of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) and its extension acts.

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.

Writing a strong business plan is important for any company as it provides a roadmap to success. The most important reason for writing a solid business plan is that it demonstrates to investors, financial institutions, and other lenders that you have a cohesive vision for your company.

Provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields or crop losses, or prevents crop planting.

Fact sheet outlining USDA loan programs, maximum loan amounts, rates, terms, and use of proceeds.

Overview of the different types of farm loans you can get from the USDA such as FSA farm loan, farm ownership loan, farm operating loan, conservation loans and more.

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

Good husbandry is critical to success and this gives a general overview of its importance.

Presentation on what was learned from Japan, the world leaders in scallop aquaculture, including lantern nets, spat bags, grading, washing, and recipes.

Dr. Carole Engle, a specialist in aquaculture economics, discusses growing your aquaculture businesses: whether should you expand or diversify and what conditions should you consider doing so. This will help you determine if is it the right time to expand your business, increase production, or move into new markets.

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

As part of an ongoing and productive relationship, a delegation from Maine visited the gear supplier Mutsu Kaden Tokki Co., Ltd. located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. This video reviews the gear needed for the Japanese scallop aquaculture industry technique called 'ear-hanging'.

Dr. Carole Engle, a specialist in aquaculture economics, discusses cash-flow for aquaculture businesses, how to maintain a positive cash-flow position, and common pitfalls in developing a cash-flow budgeting.

This video is narrated by Dana Morse and reviews how to collect sea scallop spat and grow your seed in bottom cages.

Developed to describe all Federal programs and activities that directly or indirectly encourage, support, or assist U.S. aquaculture.

Intended to help prospective farmers to identify, record, monitor, and manage production hazards, and ultimately minimize production-related risk. Discusses types of risk in aquaculture, record keeping, environmental conditions, biofouling organisms, predators, diseases, parasites, invasive species, and operational procedures.

A critical long-term decision aquaculturists must make is to determine whether the business can generate enough value over time to pay off its debts. The appropriate financial statement for doing this is the balance sheet. The balance sheet is divided into two main categories: assets and liabilities. The balance sheet is structured by dividing assets and liabilities into one of two time periods: current and noncurrent. This publication, written by Dr. Carole Engle, a specialist in aquaculture economics, will help you identify the financial strengths and weaknesses of your business using balance sheets.

Overview of mussels nutritional value and their biology.