Read all about the exciting things happening in Maine’s dynamic, innovative aquaculture community. From land to sea, fin fish to shellfish and everything in between – check out industry news below and learn how Maine seafood producers are building a sustainable, resilient local food system with aquaculture. Press releases, FAQs, background information, and photo and video assets are available in our online press room here.
New coalition says it will combat disinformation about farmed seafood in Maine
Spectrum News, 3/13/25 – “A new coalition of businesses and organizations aims to combat disinformation about farmed seafood in Maine. Representatives of five founding member organizations – The Maine Aquaculture Association, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., FocusMaine, Island Institute and the World Wildlife Fund – met in Portland Thursday to announce the forming of the Maine Farmed Seafood Coalition. “I expect that coalition to broaden beyond its founders over time, as there are many other groups in the state who recognize the value and potential of aquaculture,” said Sebastian Belle, executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association.”
Opinion: support your local sea farmer this holiday season
Portland Press Herald, 12/16/24 – “As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to appreciate the people who help Maine’s coastal communities thrive – our local sea farmers. These hardworking farmers grow some of the finest seafood in the world, and their dedication not only sustains a vital part of Maine’s working waterfront tradition but also provides an opportunity to bring something special to your holiday table. At the Maine Aquaculture Association, we’re proud to support the farmers who produce sustainable, delicious seafood that’s perfect for celebrating the season. For over 45 years, we have helped Maine’s aquatic growers develop economically and environmentally responsible business practices, promote the benefits of aquaculture in the local food system, and increase the resilience of our working waterfronts.”
Cold Current Kelp wins USD 50,000 in grants to develop value-added kelp products
Seafood Source, 1/6/25 – “Maine, U.S.A.-based aquaculture company Cold Current Kelp has won the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant of USD 24,700 (EUR 23,781), and one of the company’s funding partners, the Maine Technology Institute, has pledged to match the grant with another USD 25,000 (EUR 24,070). The funds will be invested in business development, marketing plans, and streamlining production, according to the firm. “Maine’s long history of innovation on the sea is not a thing of the past. Companies like Cold Current Kelp demonstrate the potential for the Gulf of Maine to provide us with new, sustainable economic opportunities,” USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson said.” (photo credit: Cold Current Kelp)
New federal data indicate a rising tide of aquaculture farms in Maine
Maine Public, 12/30/24 – “A new census from the U.S. Department of Agriculture finds the number of aquaculture farms in Maine is growing, but local groups caution against reading too much into the exact numbers. Sebastian Belle, executive director of the the Maine Aquaculture Association, said not all operators respond to the USDA census, leading to an undercount. But he said the survey results do line up with an overall upward trend, especially among small, upstart farms operating on limited purpose aquaculture licenses, or LPAs. “We now have, I think, roughly 700 LPAs in the state,” Belle said.”