January 17, 2025, Gardiner, ME - New public opinion research highlights overwhelming support among Maine voters for the state’s growing aquaculture industry. The poll reveals that eight in 10 Mainers who say they are familiar with aquaculture support its growth, a trend that has remained steady for the past four years.
“Aquaculture in Maine is helping to keep our working waterfronts working and fishermen on the water,” said Sebastian Belle, executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association. “Mainers value high-quality, local seafood, and they support the people and the industry that make that food possible.”
According to the survey, Maine voters believe that aquaculture strengthens Maine’s economy and helps to sustain coastal heritage.
Eighty-six percent of respondents said Maine’s aquaculture industry plays an important role in preserving working waterfronts and diversifying the economic base of coastal and rural communities.
A growing number of fishermen are supplementing their income with aquaculture. More than 170 commercial fishing license holders also hold aquaculture licenses, using aquaculture to expand the use of their skills and equipment working on the water. Not included in that number are the many fishermen employed on farms in their off-season and farm employees who fish part-time.
“The growth of aquaculture doesn’t just mean better access to seafood – it means new careers, new businesses and a stronger Maine economy overall,” said Andrea Cianchette Maker, President of FocusMaine, which sponsored the survey. “Maine’s aquaculture farmers work hard to produce locally grown, delicious, nutritional food, and it’s clear that Maine residents recognize and support their efforts."
Eighty-two percent of respondents say aquaculture is an important and valuable part of the local food system. With the United States importing about 85% of its seafood, aquaculture offers an opportunity to produce sustainable, healthy seafood domestically, reducing the carbon emissions associated with long-distance imports.
Eighty-two percent of respondents also say Maine’s aquaculture products meet these high standards. This commitment to sustainability resonates with voters, as 83% support further expansion of aquaculture in Maine.
“Maine farmed seafood is renowned for its quality. Maine aquaculture products are required to meet some of the highest environmental and food safety standards in the world, ensuring they are safe, sustainable and responsibly grown. Over three-quarters of respondents believe that aquaculture products are sustainable, environmentally responsible and delicious,” Belle said.
“As we look to the future, the support of Mainers will continue to be essential in ensuring that aquaculture grows responsibly and contributes to our state’s resilience.”
The Critical Insights on Maine tracking survey, conducted by Digital Research, Inc., is a long-standing public opinion poll of registered Maine voters, providing insights on a variety of topics for over 25 years. The Fall 2024 survey gathered responses from 604 participants via phone and online, ensuring a representative sample reflective of Maine's voting population. Results specific to the Maine aquaculture sector were drawn from proprietary questions included in the survey and have a margin of error of ±4.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
