Celebrating the Future of Maine’s Working Waterfronts
Tending the Tides is a new short film that follows the journey of young sea farmers in Maine’s first-ever registered Seaweed & Shellfish Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program. This inspiring story explores what it means to build a life on the water today—and what it takes to preserve that future for generations to come. This film was made possible thanks to generous support from Focus Maine and the World Wildlife Fund. The film was shot and edited by Maine Mountain Media.
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About the Apprenticeship
Created by the Maine Aquaculture Association and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, this state-accredited apprenticeship is the first of its kind in the nation. In just three years, it has drawn more than 150 applicants, with young people from Maine and across the nation eager to learn the ropes of sea farming. Apprentices complete over 2,000 hours of hands-on training on working farms and 144 hours of technical coursework. The program equips them not just with skills, but with a livelihood—and a chance to contribute to Maine's coastal communities.
Interest in careers in aquaculture is growing. As more young people are looking for green jobs in sustainable industries, aquaculture can offer them that opportunity. This apprenticeship draws young people committed to producing seafood to our working waterfronts, imbuing them with new life as they bring various skills and backgrounds to these roles. To learn more about the apprenticeship, visit the Apprenticeship Program page in our menu under Careers.
Why It Matters
Maine’s working waterfronts are shrinking. As coastal real estate prices soar and climate impacts intensify, fewer young people are finding pathways into maritime work. The Aquaculture Apprenticeship creates those pathways—offering paid, professional training in a growing, sustainable seafood sector that complements our marine identity. It creates opportunities for young people from fishing families to continue to the generational practice of working on the water and bringing high-quality, delicious Maine seafood to plates across the world.
Help Us Grow
This apprenticeship is made possible thanks to generous supporters who believe in Maine’s future on the water. Your donation helps us train more apprentices, expand the program, and support young sea farmers in pursuing meaningful, long-term careers in aquaculture.
To learn more about how you can support this program, email [email protected] with the subject line "Tending the Tides".
Special Thanks to:
