FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Maine Aquaculture Association Observes National Seafood Month by Celebrating Crop and Economic Diversity in Maine Aquaculture, Honoring Sea Farming Families Who Produce It
HALLOWELL, Maine, October 11, 2022 – The Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA) today announced plans to observe National Seafood Month by celebrating the diversity in Maine seafood and honoring generations of sea farming families who produce it.
“Maine’s cold, clean waters are ideal for farming some of the freshest and most sustainable food in the world,” said Sebastian Belle, Executive Director, Maine Aquaculture Association.
“This October, we’re proud to celebrate National Seafood Month by honoring generations of Maine’s sea farmers who produce it. Now, more than ever, Maine’s working waterfront needs to unite; let’s all come together to celebrate seafood,” continued Belle.
U.S. aquaculture works hand in hand with commercial fishing and produces 7 percent of the nation’s seafood, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Globally, aquaculture is growing at a rate of 8 percent (FAO). The U.S. is steadily developing its aquaculture sector, but is behind every other country at a rate of 1 percent. Maine aquaculture has enjoyed responsible growth over the last 20 years at an average rate of 2 percent. Aquaculture in Maine is among the most diverse in the nation, producing more species of edible fish than any other U.S. state.
As a global leader and pioneer in aquaculture, Maine has developed best practices and established strict standards, many of which are now used throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Maine Aquaculture by the Numbers
– More than 25 diverse species of finfish, shellfish and sea vegetables are farmed in Maine.
– Maine aquaculture represents $85-$110 million a year in sales.
– Maine aquaculture provides jobs for more than 700 year-round employees across 200 farms (source: 2017 Maine Aquaculture Economic Impact Report)
– More than 99% of Maine sea farms are family-owned
– 1 in 6 Maine sea farmers holds a commercial fishing license. Aquaculture is supplementing income that may continue to slip away due to climate change and regulations.
– Maine aquaculture has enjoyed responsible growth over the last 20 years at an average rate of 2%. Globally, aquaculture is growing at 8% per year (FAO).
– Less than 1% of Maine’s coastal waters are used for aquaculture.
– Pound per pound, Maine aquaculture produces among the lowest carbon footprints of any animal protein.
Source: Maine Aquaculture Association
Maine Aquaculture: Pioneers and Innovators in Seafood
Maine Aquaculture builds resilience for generations of Maine’s fishing families and strengthens the working waterfront. Pioneers and innovators in the sector include:
Pemaquid Oyster Company in Bristol was founded in 1986 as one of the original pioneers of Maine’s thriving oyster farming sector. Today, people travel to Maine from around the world in search of the renowned Pemaquid oysters, and the founding members of Pemaquid are actively engaged in training new growers, conducting research, and advancing sustainable practices in the sector.
Cooke Aquaculture was started by the Cooke family of New Brunswick in 1985 with one cage and a few thousand fish. Today, the company is still family-owned and has grown to acquire operations around the world, including salmon farms in Eastport, Machias, and Bass Harbor.
For Hollander & de Koning in Trenton, mussel farming has been a family tradition for six generations. When the family immigrated to Maine in 2004, they brought authentic “Dutch style” mussels with them, started their own company, and have since diversified into oyster and scallop aquaculture.
Atlantic Sea Farms in Biddeford works with Maine’s fishing families to diversify into kelp farming, and drives a national market on their behalf with value added products. Their 27 partner farmers representing 9 Maine harbors are pioneering a new industry for the coast of Maine, and building resilience in the face of climate change and regulatory uncertainty. Atlantic Sea Farms partner fishermen farmers represent over 80% of the cultivated seaweed in the U.S.
National Campaign, Local Flavor
The Maine Aquaculture Association joins the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, National Seafood Council Task Force, and the Seafood4Health Action Coalition this October in encouraging more Americans to eat and celebrate our delicious, healthy bounty of seafood. Visit our recipes page for easy, delicious recipe inspiration and preparation tips. Oyster lovers should visit the Maine Oyster Trail to find locally farmed oysters near them. Social media hashtags for both national and local campaigns include #CelebrateSeafood and #EatMaineSeafood.
“Maine aquaculture promotes responsible growth, fosters economic sustainability, and diversifies the economic base of Maine’s coastal communities,” continued Belle. “We firmly believe that’s worth celebrating.”
About the Maine Aquaculture Association
The Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA) est. 1978, is a nonprofit trade association that advocates for and unites Maine’s finfish, shellfish, and sea vegetable farmers in collaboration with commercial fishing colleagues. MAA’s mission is to support the state’s aquatic growers in developing economically and environmentally sustainable business practices, to promote the benefits of aquaculture in the local food system, and to preserve Maine’s heritage of a vibrant working waterfront.
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
# # #